UN General Assembly
1974

28. We are against any attempt to annex the economic zones to the territorial seas of the coastal countries and to establish exclusive rights over such zones. The arbitrary limit of the economic zone at 200 miles lacks justification, and there is no reason why such a vast area should be occupied exclusively by coastal countries, in this way reducing the area of the common heritage of mankind to a meaningless concept. We do not mean, however, that we are opposed to the creation of an economic zone as such. But as the zone would be created for safeguarding the interests of the developing countries against the unscrupulous exploitation of the area and its resources by countries with advanced scientific and technological means, we are of the opinion that it should be under the common jurisdiction of all neighboring States, whether coastal or landlocked. All States should have a due share in the resources of the sea, whether living or inanimate. And all States which exercise jurisdiction over the zone should also share responsibilities as well as duties.