Rediah
Regular
Cumquat,
Well I am looking forward to rulings from both the ICSID and ICC - as much as we know from experience how corrupt the DRC is, this corruption will be formally recognized by two international bodies. I suspect these rulings will prevent many international corporations from dealing with the DRC - this is something that the DRC Government does not want.
Keeping in mind that the DRC are compelled to follow any rulings (ICSID & ICC) and if they don't then they run the risk of having their assets seized internationally - landing a DRC jet in France and having it impounded is a real possibility and we have seen that already happen with another government.
This whole process has been painfully drawn out for all of us, however I am looking forward to the rulings and seeing the DRC get a walloping. In addition, the Americans are looking at major investments and they would be heaping heaps of pressure on the DRC to sort their shit out.
The Chinese don't like international rulings against them either - look what they did to Australia and before any ruling by the WTO the Aussie Government suspended WTO action just prior to any outcome.
It has also been previously reported that the DRC have gold bullion in a Vault in New York and there are no doubt many assets that are outside of the DRC that could potentially be seized.
There could potentially be International Arrest Warrants for X Government Officials - thats not something they want either.
Lets simply wait for the ICSID and ICC rulings and me personally I dont see things are at a loss - its just simply dragging on due to the actions of certain nefarious individuals.
Compensation needs to take into consideration;
- Current and future value of the mine in its entirety
- The largest known lithium deposit in the world at a high quality
- The capacity to influence the Lithium Spot Market
- Unnecessary costs incurred by AVZ/Dathcom due to corruption and failure to abide by their own laws
- Pain, suffering and loss of income streams and other investments by shareholders
- Interest
- etc
Regards,
SilentOne - do your own research
Please correct me if I'm wrong, especially those with more experience in international trade, I'm considering the following based on a recent experience:
I recently purchased some parts for my business from an international supplier who requested payment in USD rather than their local currency. I made the transfer through Suncorp Bank. The money was debited from my account, but it didn't reach the supplier for a month. When I contacted Suncorp to find out where the money was, they explained that since the payment was made in USD, it was routed through a U.S. bank as an intermediary before it could be sent to the supplier's bank.
Given this, and considering the current situation with the DRC defying the rulings of the ICC and the ICSID, a point comes to mind. Since the DRC has sold themselves to China and prefers payments in USD instead of their local currency, which has little value, large transactions will be routed through U.S. banks.
Which makes me wonder, under the New York Convention (1958) that mandates the enforcement of international arbitration awards, there could be a scenario where funds transferred in USD through U.S. banks could be held or intercepted until the DRC complies with ICC and ICSID rulings??
When a country does not follow the decisions or awards of the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) and the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC), several consequences can arise:
1. International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID):
- ICSID Arbitration Awards: When a country (usually a host state) does not comply with an ICSID arbitration award, it can lead to significant diplomatic and financial consequences.
- Enforcement and Recognition: Under the ICSID Convention, awards are binding and must be enforced as if they were a final judgment of a court in that country. A refusal to enforce could lead to loss of credibility and potential sanctions.
- Reputation and Credit Rating: Non-compliance may negatively affect the country’s international reputation, discourage foreign investment, and potentially harm its credit rating.
- Seizure of Assets: The winning party can pursue enforcement in jurisdictions where the non-compliant state has assets. This can lead to the seizure of state-owned assets abroad.
- Political and Economic Isolation: Continued non-compliance may result in strained diplomatic relations and can lead to economic isolation or loss of access to international financial markets.
2. International Chamber of Commerce (ICC):
- ICC Arbitration Awards: The ICC provides a private arbitration mechanism to resolve disputes, particularly between private parties or a private party and a state. Its awards are also binding.
- Enforcement under the New York Convention: If a country fails to comply with an ICC award, the winning party can seek enforcement in any country that is a signatory to the New York Convention (1958). This treaty obligates signatory countries to recognize and enforce foreign arbitral awards.
- Legal and Financial Costs: Non-compliance could lead to prolonged legal battles, increasing costs and potentially leading to interest accruals on unpaid amounts.
- Reputational Damage: Just like with ICSID, a country's or company's refusal to honor an ICC award can significantly tarnish its reputation, affecting future business and investment opportunities.
3. Wider Consequences:
- Chilling Effect on Investment: Both ICSID and ICC decisions are fundamental to maintaining a stable international investment environment. Non-compliance can deter potential investors who seek assurance of fair and enforceable dispute resolution mechanisms.
- Loss of Legal Protections and Treaty Benefits: For countries that repeatedly disregard arbitration awards, there might be a reconsideration of existing bilateral investment treaties (BITs) or multilateral agreements that provide legal protections and benefits.