October 30, 1995

Statement by H.E. Mr. Hisashi Owada, Representative of Japan

...Now, despite these difficulties, the efforts we have made over half a century are culminating in a draft statute on an International Criminal Court.

The establishment of such a body would be a revolutionary leap in the history of the codification of international law, and for that reason we have to be absolutely certain that it will function effectively to meet the expectations of the international community, and especially those who need the court most...

...My delegation is ready to cooperate fully in the work establishing the International Criminal Court in a constructive direction, and it in this spirit that I have offered my comments.

Japan is ready to accept a proposal to advance our efforts on the basis of the conclusion of the Ad Hoc Committee. If meetings are to be held for the continuation of the work, Japan is ready to cooperate in the months of February, June and August.