Re: ICSID periodic fees
I understand that at this stage neither AVZ nor the DRC has paid its periodic ICSID fees, and as a result the case is suspended (temporarily).
While AVZ may have previously been short of funds, I am guessing that the DRC's motive in not paying is a clumsy attempt to stall the proceedings and ultimately get them cancelled. Typical DRC shitfuckery, which I hope back-fires big time.
So what sort of costs are we looking at?
ICSID charges an administrative fee of US$52,000/annum for its arbitration and conciliation services, which is typically divided equally between the parties. Therefore AVZ and the DRC each pay US$26,000 annually.
While this fee covers the ICSID's administrative services throughout the duration of the proceedings, ICSID also charges US$200/hr for staff services in mediation and fact-finding proceedings, plus additional charges for specific case-related expenses such as transcripts and interpretation.
On face value these fees seem reasonable, and even if AVZ needs to pay the DRC’s share in order to get proceedings back on track, it is a small price to pay in the broader picture of the billions at stake.
Cheers
F