Oct. 28, 1996

Statement by Mr. Joergen Molde Representative for Denmark to the Sixth Committee

Mr. Chairman,

[...] In the Danish view the ICC should be established by way of a multilateral treaty. with the aim of giving the ICC the necessary authority the UN General Assembly should in a resolution adopt the treaty establishing the ICC and open it for signature and ratification or accession. the basic elements of the relationship of accession. The basic elements of the relationship between the ICC and the UN could be laid down in such a resolution.

[...] In the view of the Danish delegation it might not be necessary for the Preparatory Committee to meet for all of the 9 weeks before the diplomatic conference. We would propose that this year's General Assembly decides to convene the Preparatory Committee for 6 weeks in 1997, preferably in 3 sessions of 2 weeks. Next year's General Assembly may then decide whether it is necessary for the Preparatory Committee to meet in 1998 and - if so - whether for 1, 2, or 3 weeks.

When making plans for the future work of the Preparatory Committee and for the diplomatic conference to follow it some of the most difficult issues will only be solved at the conference itself. We will therefore probably need a conference of at least 3 to 4 weeks.

At what time, then, should the conference be held?

we have noted that the Preparatory Committee in its conclusions considers that - on the basis of its proposed scheme of work - it is realistic to regard the holding of a diplomatic conference in 1998 as feasible. We agree with that assessment. And against that background we find that this year's General Assembly should decide to convene a diplomatic conference in 1998. [...]