Republic of Serbia v. ImageSat International NV

Abstract

Arbitration — Jurisdiction — International Chamber of Commerce arbitration — Arbitration arising from contract between ImageSat International NV and State Union of Serbia and Montenegro — Montenegro declaring independence — Serbia and Montenegro two separate States — Whether arbitrator having jurisdiction to decide whether Serbia “successor” or “continuator” or “continuation” of State Union of Serbia and Montenegro in international law — Whether ImageSat estopped or precluded from contending Serbia “continuator” in law of State Union — Whether Serbia contractually submitting to arbitrator’s jurisdiction by its agreement in Terms of Reference — Serbia challenging substantive jurisdiction of arbitrator — Section 67 of Arbitration Act 1996 — Whether Partial Award to be set aside

State succession — State Union of Serbia and Montenegro — Article 60 of Constitutional Charter of State Union — Montenegro declaring independence — Whether Serbia new successor State or continuation of State Union of Serbia and Montenegro — Distinction between State continuity and State succession in international law — Agreement binding on State Union of Serbia and Montenegro — Whether binding on Serbia — Whether parties giving arbitrator substantive jurisdiction to determine

Relationship of international law and municipal law — Questions of public international law — Questions whether Serbia “successor” or “continuator” of State Union of Serbia and Montenegro — Whether justiciable and arbitrable in English court — Section 67 of Arbitration Act 1996 — The law of England