October 22, 1997

Statement by Mr. Christian Wenaweser, First Secretary of the permanent Mission of the Principality of Liechtenstein

[...]

Mr. Chairman,

The Sixth Committee has, at this session, the task of deciding on the further course of action and, particularly, on the modalities of the diplomatic conference in Rome, the convening of which we have already decided when we met here a year ago. The resolution which we have to adopt at this fifty-second session, has to be drafted against the background of the number and magnitude of the problems that remain to be solved and in a manner that reflects the interests of all parties involved in the process that is to lead to the adoption of the statute next year. Very constructive work on this resolution is already going on, and I would like to mention at this stage only two elements which are of particular importance to my delegation.

As I have stated above, the work of non-governmental organizations has been a crucial element both for creating the momentum and political will for establishing an International Criminal Court as well as for the substantive discussions on the provisions of the statute. The expertise of NGO's in the numerous areas covered by the statute are of outstanding importance to governmental delegations, and maybe especially so for small delegations like our own. The resolution of the Sixth Committee should therefore make it very clear that the diplomatic conference in Rome allows for the full participation of these nongovernmental organizations, while, of course, the intergovernmental nature of the process has to be maintained.

It has become clear during the process so far that a large number of small countries attach particular importance to the establishment of an International Criminal Court. This can hardly come as a surprise, since many small countries rely particularly on the observance, strengthening and developing of international law. The negotiating history so far shows that contributions from small states often constitute very important elements in our discussions on the provisions of the statute. It is therefore clear that the arrangements for the diplomatic conference should enable small states to continue playing their role which is a significant one. While it is of crucial importance that the Preparatory Committee continues its work in an as efficient manner as possible, we are aware the some of the necessary major decisions will not be made before the diplomatic conference itself. This, however, is not primarily a matter of duration of the conference, but of political will. It should be avoided that substantiv

e parts of the conference take place without attendance from small states, which have difficulties to participate fully due to lack of personnel, in order to maintain the universal character of the process. At the same time, we would like to reiterate that the adoption of a statute next year must be the primary goal for all of us, and that we are willing to display flexibility to achieve this important goal.

We look forward to the continuation of the consultations, Mr. Chairman.

I thank you.