Nov.1, 1996

Statement by MR. Rolf Welberts Representative of Germany

Mr. Chairman,

[...] We are extremely glad that the proposal to establish an International Criminal Court, which met with some scepticism a the outset, has by now gained wide and still growing support. A compromise decision on the statute of such a Court, taking into account the diverging views among delegations, seems now within reach. We all have before us an ambitious intersessional working programme of not less than nine weeks. My delegations is confident that, with the goodwill of everyone, this time schedule will suffice to prepare the diplomatic conference for the elaboration of a convention. Hence, Germany is of the view that the General Assembly, in its 51st session, could and should fix a date for the conference to convene in 1998.

[...]