Mr. Olivier Dupuis

Member of European Parliament

Secretary General of the Transnational Radical Party

26 July 1999

Dear Mr. Dupuis,

With reference to your kind letter of 15 July, 1999, I am pleased to inform you that the Republic of Hungary has signed the Statute of the International Criminal Court on 15 January, 1999.

I am sure that you are also aware of the fact that the Republic of Hungary has taken an active part in the preparation of the Statute, and, as a member of the so called "like-minded" group, has consistently supported the elaboration and adoption of the Statute. The Hungarian delegation also participates in the work of the Preparatory Commission to draft the documents necessary for the establishment and effective functioning of the International Criminal Court.

As far as the ratification of the Statute is concerned, I would like to draw your attention to the following:

Due to the important provisions and the possible impact of the Statute on the Hungarian Criminal Code further studies are needed to determine if any changes are to be made in the Hungarian legal system. That is why the competent Hungarian authorities need more time to formulate their proposals upon which the decision for ratification by the Government and the Hungarian Parliament could be based. However, I am convinced that we will accomplish it in the near future.

I avail myself of the opportunity to express to you the assurances of my highest consideration.

Janos Martonyi

Minister for Foreign Affairs