November 3, 1995

...The need has become quite clear, and the issue has matured enough over the last fifty years, that we must proceed with the establishment of an International Criminal Court. The growing awareness of unpunished crimes committed throughout the world has contributed to the steady and positive momentum that must now be seized. we are of the opinion that a Preparatory committee should be formed imminently in order to arrange a Conference of Plenipotentiaries in 1997. We are grateful to Italy for offering to host such a Conference.

The Latvian delegation hopes that the International Criminal Court shall achieve the noblest of objectives - that it would not only successfully prosecute and punish perpetrators, but would also deter future infractions through a viable punitive capacity and an unimpeachable moral authority.