INSIGHTS FOR CENTRAL ASIA FROM THE PRINCIPLES AND DISPUTES OF INTERNATIONAL WATER LAW

Abstract

This article analyzes legal aspects of the Central Asian water dispute with reference to international water law principles. In other words, it examines the existing principles of international water law, and identifies those which dominate in setting international discourses. Moreover, this study provides examples of water disputes around the world, such as the Nile River, the Mekong River, the Indus River cases, in which several non-Central Asian states, facing similar conflicts, such as India and Pakistan, Egypt and Sudan, South-East Asian nations are involved. In particular, it is emphasizes that even countries, which has more problematic relations rather than Central Asian republics, could eventually achieve a mutual legal settlement of water-related tensions. Finally, it offers solutions to the water disputes for Central Asian countries in the light of the principles of international water law laid down by the Permanent Court of Arbitration in the 2012 Kishenganga Case.