In this paper, the concept of international treaty in contemporary international law is being analyzed. The concept of international treaty is being reviewed to international as well as to national extent of Lithuania and some other countries, applying the national law of different countries and international law, which define the concept of international treaty. The subject of the research – the main features of an international treaty, advantages and disadvantages of its consolidation in national and international law. The main objective is, by analyzing literature and the practice of courts, to reveal the concept of contemporary international treaty to international and national extent, and to reveal the advantages and disadvantages of international documents, which consolidate the main elements of an international treaty, as well as to find an optimal opportunity to sort out the problem of an ambiguous concept of international treaty. Appealing to the main instruments of international law, the major features of an international law are revealed: it must be an international agreement; it must governed by international law; it must be made in written form; concluded between States or international organizations; embodied in a single instrument or in two or more related instruments; whatever its particular designation. In the paper a problem of insufficient revelation of the main features of an international treaty in international law is analyzed. One more feature of an... [to full text]

O objetivo do presente trabalho consiste em analisar a necessidade, a viabilidade e demais aspectos práticos inerentes à inserção de uma cláusula prevendo a submissão compulsória de litígios não solucionados pelo procedimento amigável, único método existente nos acordos de bitributação celebrados pelo Brasil, à arbitragem (mandatory arbitration), como forma de incrementar os mecanismos de solução de controvérsias hoje disponíveis nos acordos de bitributação. Para alcançar essa finalidade específica, iniciou-se o estudo (Capítulo 2), após breve introdução, a partir de uma aferição das espécies de controvérsias oriundas da interpretação e aplicação dos acordos de bitributação, notadamente em relação aos tratados celebrados pelo Brasil. Ato contínuo, procurou-se, no Capítulo 3 da tese, examinar mais detidamente o instituto do procedimento amigável, de maneira a demonstrar, ao final, as diversas deficiências inerentes ao referido mecanismo. Como forma de aprimorar o modelo de solução de controvérsias então existente, analisou-se, no Capítulo 4 da tese, as diversas propostas de inserção de uma arbitragem compulsória e suplementar ao procedimento amigável (two-step approach), entre elas a Convenção Europeia de Arbitragem (Convenção 90/436/EEC), bem como também os modelos de arbitragem apresentados pela OCDE e ONU, em seus respectivos modelos de convenção. Constituiu objeto precípuo de análise, igualmente, a aferição da experiência internacional existente em relação ao tema, mais especificamente nos acordos celebrados pelos Estados Unidos, Áustria, Alemanha. Reino Unido e Holanda. No Capítulo 5, por sua vez, com o objetivo específico de incrementar a eficácia do mecanismo, tratou-se de aspectos práticos inerentes à inclusão da arbitragem nos acordos celebrados pelo Brasil, mormente no que atine (i) ao escopo das convenções arbitrais, (ii) à ata de missão dos árbitros, (iii) à constituição do painel arbitral, (iv) ao sigilo e confidencialidade, (v) à escolha do procedimento aplicável e a instrução do processo, (vi) à definição da sede do tribunal, (vi) à participação do contribuinte, (vii) à aferição dos requisitos inerentes à sentença arbitral, (viii) à logística e aos custos do processo, bem como, também, (ix) à fonte jurídica disponível para a resolução dos litígios. No Capítulo 6, por sua vez, procurou-se demonstrar a inexistência de qualquer óbice à utilização do referido mecanismo de solução de controvérsias nos tratados celebrados pelo País. Feita a referida análise, tratou-se, no Capítulo 7, do tema atinente ao reconhecimento e execução da sentença arbitral, bem como de sua eventual relação com a Convenção de Nova Iorque. Por derradeiro, apresentou-se uma síntese conclusiva do raciocínio desenvolvido ao longo da tese em relação aos tópicos analisados. / The main purpose of this thesis is to analyze the necessity, feasibility and other practical matters inherent to the negotiation and inclusion of a mandatory arbitration clause in Brazilian double tax treaties that could be triggered in cases where mutual agreement procedure, the only mechanism to solve disputes in such treaties, is not able to eliminate the controversies that may arise in this field. After a brief introduction, we began our study, on Chapter 2, by studying the main types of controversies derived from the interpretation and application of double tax treaties, specially with regard to the Brazilian experience. In this sense, we examined, on Chapter 3, the contours of the mutual agreement procedure in a way to demonstrate, in the end, the relevant deficiencies inherent to the such dispute resolution mechanism. On Chapter 4, we analyzed the different ways that such a mandatory arbitration clause, ancilar to the mutual agreement procedure (two-step approach), was inserted in the international context, namely in the EU Arbitration Convention (Convention 90/436/EEC), as well as in the OECD and UN proposals, with regard to their respectively model conventions. Also, we studied the international experience in the field, specifically in relation to the development observed in the tax treaty policies of some countries, such as the United States, Austria, Germany, United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Subsequently, on Chapter 5 we explored the more practical matters related to such a mandatory arbitration clause, specially with regard to (i) the scope of the arbitration clause, (ii) the specific terms of reference, (iii) the selection of the arbitrators, (iv) confidenciality, (v) the establishment of procedural and evidentiary rules, (vi) the seat of the arbitration, (vii) the taxpayer participation in the procedure, (viii) the minimum requirements related to the award, (ix) the logistical arrengements and costs, (x) and the source of law that can be used by the arbitrators. On Chapter 6, we tried to demonstrate the absence of any constitucional barrier preventing the use of arbitration as a means of solving controversies related to taxation, specially with regard to Brazilian double tax treaties. On the last Chapter (Chapter 7), we dealt with the issues related to the recognition and enforcement of the award under Brazilian rules and also with regard to the New York Convention. Lastly, we presented a conclusive synthesis of the study.

O objetivo do presente trabalho consiste em analisar a necessidade, a viabilidade e demais aspectos práticos inerentes à inserção de uma cláusula prevendo a submissão compulsória de litígios não solucionados pelo procedimento amigável, único método existente nos acordos de bitributação celebrados pelo Brasil, à arbitragem (mandatory arbitration), como forma de incrementar os mecanismos de solução de controvérsias hoje disponíveis nos acordos de bitributação. Para alcançar essa finalidade específica, iniciou-se o estudo (Capítulo 2), após breve introdução, a partir de uma aferição das espécies de controvérsias oriundas da interpretação e aplicação dos acordos de bitributação, notadamente em relação aos tratados celebrados pelo Brasil. Ato contínuo, procurou-se, no Capítulo 3 da tese, examinar mais detidamente o instituto do procedimento amigável, de maneira a demonstrar, ao final, as diversas deficiências inerentes ao referido mecanismo. Como forma de aprimorar o modelo de solução de controvérsias então existente, analisou-se, no Capítulo 4 da tese, as diversas propostas de inserção de uma arbitragem compulsória e suplementar ao procedimento amigável (two-step approach), entre elas a Convenção Europeia de Arbitragem (Convenção 90/436/EEC), bem como também os modelos de arbitragem apresentados pela OCDE e ONU, em seus respectivos modelos de convenção. Constituiu objeto precípuo de análise, igualmente, a aferição da experiência internacional existente em relação ao tema, mais especificamente nos acordos celebrados pelos Estados Unidos, Áustria, Alemanha. Reino Unido e Holanda. No Capítulo 5, por sua vez, com o objetivo específico de incrementar a eficácia do mecanismo, tratou-se de aspectos práticos inerentes à inclusão da arbitragem nos acordos celebrados pelo Brasil, mormente no que atine (i) ao escopo das convenções arbitrais, (ii) à ata de missão dos árbitros, (iii) à constituição do painel arbitral, (iv) ao sigilo e confidencialidade, (v) à escolha do procedimento aplicável e a instrução do processo, (vi) à definição da sede do tribunal, (vi) à participação do contribuinte, (vii) à aferição dos requisitos inerentes à sentença arbitral, (viii) à logística e aos custos do processo, bem como, também, (ix) à fonte jurídica disponível para a resolução dos litígios. No Capítulo 6, por sua vez, procurou-se demonstrar a inexistência de qualquer óbice à utilização do referido mecanismo de solução de controvérsias nos tratados celebrados pelo País. Feita a referida análise, tratou-se, no Capítulo 7, do tema atinente ao reconhecimento e execução da sentença arbitral, bem como de sua eventual relação com a Convenção de Nova Iorque. Por derradeiro, apresentou-se uma síntese conclusiva do raciocínio desenvolvido ao longo da tese em relação aos tópicos analisados. / The main purpose of this thesis is to analyze the necessity, feasibility and other practical matters inherent to the negotiation and inclusion of a mandatory arbitration clause in Brazilian double tax treaties that could be triggered in cases where mutual agreement procedure, the only mechanism to solve disputes in such treaties, is not able to eliminate the controversies that may arise in this field. After a brief introduction, we began our study, on Chapter 2, by studying the main types of controversies derived from the interpretation and application of double tax treaties, specially with regard to the Brazilian experience. In this sense, we examined, on Chapter 3, the contours of the mutual agreement procedure in a way to demonstrate, in the end, the relevant deficiencies inherent to the such dispute resolution mechanism. On Chapter 4, we analyzed the different ways that such a mandatory arbitration clause, ancilar to the mutual agreement procedure (two-step approach), was inserted in the international context, namely in the EU Arbitration Convention (Convention 90/436/EEC), as well as in the OECD and UN proposals, with regard to their respectively model conventions. Also, we studied the international experience in the field, specifically in relation to the development observed in the tax treaty policies of some countries, such as the United States, Austria, Germany, United Kingdom and the Netherlands. Subsequently, on Chapter 5 we explored the more practical matters related to such a mandatory arbitration clause, specially with regard to (i) the scope of the arbitration clause, (ii) the specific terms of reference, (iii) the selection of the arbitrators, (iv) confidenciality, (v) the establishment of procedural and evidentiary rules, (vi) the seat of the arbitration, (vii) the taxpayer participation in the procedure, (viii) the minimum requirements related to the award, (ix) the logistical arrengements and costs, (x) and the source of law that can be used by the arbitrators. On Chapter 6, we tried to demonstrate the absence of any constitucional barrier preventing the use of arbitration as a means of solving controversies related to taxation, specially with regard to Brazilian double tax treaties. On the last Chapter (Chapter 7), we dealt with the issues related to the recognition and enforcement of the award under Brazilian rules and also with regard to the New York Convention. Lastly, we presented a conclusive synthesis of the study.

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The Multifibre Agreement ("MFA") regulated textile trade until 1 January 2005. It was predominantly focused on curtailing textile exports from developing countries, like South Africa and China. With the end of the MFA, a textile crisis occurred in South Africa due to the domination of the domestic market by more affordable Chinese textile products. This case study is applied to illustrate the inadequacy of domestic legislation to provide for the resolution of an international trade dispute that affects an industry. No legislation refers to the resolution of the trade dispute by entering into a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU"), or recourse to the neutral dispute settlement body of the World Trade Organisation ("WTO"). Due to the absence of legislation that directly addresses either forum, all the power is vested• in the government to determine the appropriate course of action. Applications brought by textile industry representative bodies like TEXFED, CLOTRADE and SACTWU were inadequately investigated due to the limited powers of the independent investigative body, ITAC, and were ultimately abandoned. The government entered into a MOU with the Chinese government and in doing so violated international agreements, rights and obligations. An analysis of the inadequacy of the MOU that was entered into and the suitability of the WTO as dispute settlement body is conducted. It is concluded that the current legislation is inadequate in that it doesn't provide for recourse to the WTO and in that it doesn't clearly set out the obligations on government and the independent powers of an independent body. / LLM (Import and Export Law), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

The Multifibre Agreement ("MFA") regulated textile trade until 1 January 2005. It was predominantly focused on curtailing textile exports from developing countries, like South Africa and China. With the end of the MFA, a textile crisis occurred in South Africa due to the domination of the domestic market by more affordable Chinese textile products. This case study is applied to illustrate the inadequacy of domestic legislation to provide for the resolution of an international trade dispute that affects an industry. No legislation refers to the resolution of the trade dispute by entering into a Memorandum of Understanding ("MOU"), or recourse to the neutral dispute settlement body of the World Trade Organisation ("WTO"). Due to the absence of legislation that directly addresses either forum, all the power is vested• in the government to determine the appropriate course of action. Applications brought by textile industry representative bodies like TEXFED, CLOTRADE and SACTWU were inadequately investigated due to the limited powers of the independent investigative body, ITAC, and were ultimately abandoned. The government entered into a MOU with the Chinese government and in doing so violated international agreements, rights and obligations. An analysis of the inadequacy of the MOU that was entered into and the suitability of the WTO as dispute settlement body is conducted. It is concluded that the current legislation is inadequate in that it doesn't provide for recourse to the WTO and in that it doesn't clearly set out the obligations on government and the independent powers of an independent body. / LLM (Import and Export Law), North-West University, Potchefstroom Campus, 2012

L'arbitrage d'investissement fondé sur des traités s'est fondamentalement construit autour de la protection de l'investisseur et de son investissement. En effet, les accords de protection de l'investissement n'imposent quasiment aucune obligation à la charge de l 'investisseur. De façon générale, ils contiennent des dispositions substantielles exigeant des États d'accueil d'accorder un certain traitement à l'investissement étranger. Du reste, l'arbitrage fondé sur des traités d'investissement constitue en lui-même une procédure unilatérale à la seule disposition de l'investisseur. La procédure est donc fondamentalement déséquilibrée. L'action des arbitres consistant à prendre en compte le comportement de l'investisseur a cependant contribué au rééquilibrage ce type d'arbitrage. Ils ont, en dépit des difficultés tant théoriques que pratiques suscitées par ce type de procédure, accompli leur mission en ayant recours à différents moyens tant procéduraux que matériels. Ce faisant, l'arbitre s'est rapproché de la figure du juge lié par un formalise certain lors de la conduite de sa procédure juridictionnelle. Par ailleurs, a pu être observée une certaine fonction normative indirecte de l'arbitre. Enfin, s'opère un processus de transition d'un contentieux exclusivement focalisé sur la responsabilité de l'État vers un contentieux de la responsabilisation de l'investisseur. / Investment treaty arbitration is fundamentally built around the protection of the investor and his/its investment. Indeed, investment protection agreements hardly impose any obligation on investors. Such agreements generally contain substantial provisions requiring that host States grant a certain treatment to foreign investments. Moreover, investment treaty arbitration is in itself a unilateral procedure available only to the investor. The procedure is thus fundamentally unbalanced. However, the taking into account by arbitrators of the behavior of investors, has helped to rebalance this investor-state arbitration. Despite theoretical as well as practical difficulties stemming from this type of procedure, arbitrators have been able to accomplish their mission by resorting to different methods, both procedural and material. In doing so, arbitrators have moved closer to the figure of judges, who are bound by some formalism when conducting judicial proceedings. Moreover, arbitral practice has shed the light on a certain indirect normative function of arbitrators. Lastly, a transition process is underway, from disputes exclusively focused on State responsibility towards an investor-accountability approach.

This dissertation interrogates which principles should govern the interpretation of South African Double Tax Agreements (‘DTAs’). This field of study is complex because any DTAs have a dual nature. In the first place, it is an international agreement where two states are parties (a bilateral agreement); second, it also becomes part of domestic law. DTAs are governed by principles of customary international law some of which have been codified in the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (‘VCLT’). Though South Africa is not a party to the VCLT, nevertheless, there is judicial support in South Africa for the notion that VCLT reflects general principles of international law [Harksen v President of the Republic of South Africa 1998 (2) SA 1011 (C)]. DTAs are incorporated into South African domestic law by way of statutory enactment in accordance with the dualist approach to international law. The first purpose of the dissertation is to systematise and analyse the structure of an OECD Model Tax Convention (‘OEC D MTC’) and the international methods (principles) of interpretation of DTAs in order to gain a better understanding of how this international methods functions. A number of issues relating to the interpretation of these methods are analysed. Since DTAs are applied by tax authorities, courts and taxpayers in a domestic law context, i.e. within the framework of the legal system of a particular state, the analysis focuses on the application in South Africa of the methods of the interpretation of South African DTAs. The second objective of the dissertation refers to international tax law principles (treaties and customary international law) derived from South Africa public international law and to evaluate a few selected issues related to South African DTAs and their relevance to South Africa domestic tax laws; the interpretation of DTAs and the implications of a DTA overriding or in conflict with South Africa domestic tax laws. It will also interrogate the legal status of a DTA under South African tax law and whether the anti-discrimination article in South Africa DTAs have the force of law in South Africa? / Dissertation (LLM)--University of Pretoria, 2014. / gm2014 / Mercantile Law / unrestricted