October 30, 1995

Statement by the Representative of Germany Dr. Reinhard Hilger

...In view of my delegation rules of procedure should be drafted together with the statute as states, when considering becoming party to the statue, should have the rules of procedure already before them. On the other hand we do not think it is necessary to re-invent the wheel in the field of international criminal cooperation. The rules that exist in this field can be appropriately adjusted for the international criminal court.

Concerning the decision that has to be taken by the General Assembly, Germany favours the setting up of a preparatory committee which will combine further considerations of the relevant issues with the drafting of specific texts. This is, in our view, the logical next step to be taken in the direction of an international conference. In the view of my delegation it should be possible to set a date for such a conference to demonstrate quite clearly to the international community that we, the members of the United Nations, are willing to move forward with the establishment of an international criminal court.