Statement by Rudy Giuliani on the Law of the Sea Treaty

Mayor Giuliani made the following statement on the Law of the Sea Treaty today which the Senate Foreign Relations Committee will begin consideration of tomorrow:

"I oppose ratification of the Law of the Sea Treaty. I believe the treaty is well intentioned, and I appreciate the hard work of U.S. negotiators who sought to resolve problems in the treaty first identified by President Reagan. I also understand the arguments of those – particularly in our military – who claim that this treaty will enhance America's ability to guarantee freedom of the seas for all peace-loving nations.

"But I believe that the treaty is fundamentally flawed. I cannot support the creation of yet another unaccountable international bureaucracy that might infringe on American sovereignty and curtail America's freedoms. I oppose ratification of this treaty as long as it fails to address these concerns."