Statement by dr. Pemmaraju Sreenivasa Rao

Sixth Committee

Mr. Chairman,

...the subject of the establishment of a permanent criminal court received wide international attention during the last five years in the wake of several international conflicts, particularly in the context of the alleged crimes committed in the territories belonging to former Yugoslavia...

... Mr. Chairman, my delegation expresses its satisfaction at the thorough work of the International Law Commission in preparing the Statute of the International Criminal court which, although it does not deal exhaustively with all matters, contains provisions on all relevant aspects including the jurisdicion of the court, the investigation of alleged crimes, methods of seeking judicial assistance from States, the rights of the accused ...

... Mr. Chairman, my country like other States needs time for consideration and examination of the draft articles prepared by the International Law Commission with a view to their eventual adoption. Accordingly, we are not in favour of rushing adoption of the Statute, considering particularly the fact that the Court could by itself not be effective in deterring serious crimes being committed in the context of threats to or breaches of international peace and security. Its various provisions, particularly its innovative features, deserve careful study with a view to appreciate the options against which they were adopted. Different nodal agencies within the country require to process its recommendations for approval. A general debate without reopening the delicate balance contained in the proposed Statute prepared by the International Law Commission should be encouraged within and outside the United Nations before formal decisions to hold a diplomatic conference to adopt the Statute could be taken...