October 21, 1997

Statement by H.E. Park Soo Gil Permanent Representative of the Republic of Korea

[...] We are confident that next year will herald the foundation of the International Criminal Court. The road to Rome, however, is strewn with more than a few roadblocks, which can be cleared only with the resolute will of the international community. The fear that the establishment of the ICC will somehow diminish State sovereignty over criminal matters is not well-founded, given the Statute's numerous built-in mechanisms for the protection of State sovereignty. Furthermore, in an increasingly interdependent world, the presence of the ICC could actually serve as a deterrent against infringement of State sovereignty. In our view, the salutary effects of the court upon enhancing the idea of a peace through justice, far outweigh the potential risks that might be posed to State sovereignty.

[...]

Finally, my Government wishes to express its gratitude to the Italian Government for hosting the diplomatic conference in Rome next June. The splendid tradition of Roman law makes Rome an ideal environment in which to further international efforts to establish a permanent international criminal court. By the centennial of the 1899 Hague Peace Conference, we hope that that the international community will be able to proudly say that, with the creation of the ICC, it has made an equally monumental contribution to the achievement of international justice.

Thank you.