Item 153: Establishment of an International Criminal Court

New York, 21 October 1998

[...] Mr. Chairman,

Notwithstanding the euphoria experienced by such a large number of States at the end of the Rome conference we have to face the challenges which are before us before we can say that we have reached our goal, which is the actual establishment of the Court. The first leg of this race was successfully accomplished within the framework of the Diplomatic Conference on the 17th of July this year. Now the baton has been handed over to the United Nations General Assembly as well as national authorities. A lot of work remains to be done both (I) at the international level, in the future preparatory Commission and in close consultation with all States concerned, and (II) nationally through activation of domestic procedures with regard to signature and ratification of the Statute. Pursuant to authorization by the Royal Cabinet, Norway signed the Statute on 28 August this year, and has initiated preparations with a view to parliamentary approval to ratification in due course.

Mr. Chairman, the fact that we have come so far is truly remarkable. Now, we must mobilize the " Rome spirit" and rise again to the challenges confronting us in order to ensure an early establishment of the Court.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.