By its Notification and Statement of Claim dated 24 February 2004, Guyana initiated arbitration proceedings concerning the delimitation of its maritime boundary with Suriname, and concerning alleged breaches of international law by Suriname in disputed maritime territory. Guyana has brought these proceedings pursuant to Articles 286 and 287 of the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (the “Convention”) and in accordance with Annex VII to the Convention. Guyana and Suriname (the “Parties”) ratified the Convention on 16 November 1993 and 9 July 1998, respectively.