Although the hearings began live-streaming yesterday, Simon Lester over at the International Economic Law and Policy Blog, has reported that the International Center for the Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) is webcasting a hearing in the Pac Rim CAFTA-DR investment arbitration (via Luke Peterson):
A hearing on preliminary objections in the above case will be transmitted live via internet feed on Monday, May 31, 2010 and Tuesday, June 1, 2010, starting at 9:30 a.m. EST (U.S. Eastern Time) each day. The live streaming is being made available pursuant to Article 10.21.2 of the Dominican Republic-Central America-United States Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA).
Accessing the Live Stream
To access the live stream you will need Windows Media Player, which is available free for download here:
http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/download/AllDownloads.aspxThe stream will be transmitted in both English and Spanish, and will be available in high speed (256 kbps) and low speed (56 kbps) to accommodate different bandwidth capabilities.
For the hearing in English, click here: mms://wbmswebcast1.worldbank.org/live1
For the hearing in Spanish, click here: mms://wbmswebcast1.worldbank.org/live2
For those interested in following along, relevant documents are here: http://www.minec.gob.sv/index.php?option=com_phocadownload&view=category&id=26:otros-documentos&Itemid=63
As Lester commented, live-casting this type of hearing is a great development. It will be interesting to see if other dispute resolution organizations will follow suit
-Santiago