A Book Review of Chang-Fa Lo's 'Treaty Interpretation Under the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties: A New Round of Codification'

Abstract

Chang-fa Lo’s “Treaty Interpretation Under the Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties: A New Round of Codification” analyzes the issues of treaty interpretation under Vienna Convention on the Law of Treaties (hereinafter “VCLT”). It suggests that, although VCLT concluded in 1969 was a monumental work, it reveals ambiguity and inadequacy in light of the current jurisprudence in WTO law and practices as well as in some other areas such as International Court of Justice (ICJ) decisions. It suggests that VCLT needs to be reviewed closely with the purport of incorporating recent developments in treaty law and it should be amplified by adding new provisions and explanations.

Keywords: interpretation of treaties, customary international law, VCLT, ordinary meaning of words, preparatory works, WTO law, ICSID, CISG, WTO Appellate Body, panels