Mr President,
we extend our sincere thanks to you for ably guiding the work of the Assembly of States Parties and to President Kirsch and all his colleagues at the Court for the work carried out in the course of the past year. Further consolidation of this still new, five year old, institution has taken place. In spite of its young age, the Court is steadily integrating itself into legal systems and into international institutions and relations. Most importantly, it has already led to profound processes of modernization and change in domestic legal systems.
In becoming parties to the Rome Statute, 105 States have fully committed themselves to the protection of human dignity through removal of climates of impunity for the worst international crimes. We warmly welcome Japan’s accession to the Statute, which marks an important Chapter in legal history. It also signifies a potential for even broader Asian participation and is an important step towards universality.
The relationship between the ICC and the UN is of great importance. Ending climates of impunity requires determined cooperation by those who have international peace, justice and security as their common goals and ambition.
In this context, we have noted the particularly significant statement made by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Mr. Ban Ki-Moon, at the opening of this session. We unreservedly support his clear reminder that long-term peace and justice are distinct, but closely related objectives. It is incumbent on member States of the United Nations and States Parties to the Rome Statute to strive for their achievement. Sustainable peace is, in reality, intimately related to justice and fairness. True peace-building cannot rest on foundations of fear and silence in the face of mass atrocities.
Mr. President,
this is why we join all those who share the Court’s concerns as regards outstanding arrest warrants pertaining to the situations in Darfur and in Uganda. With regard to the crimes committed in Darfur, we urge Sudan to fully cooperate with the Court, in accordance with resolution 1593 of the Security Council of the United Nations. We look forward to the Prosecutor’s report to be made before the Council in the coming days on this issue. Also in other situations, Norway expects that the States concerned carry out their obligations in accordance with international law. We all know that the Court itself does not have a mandate to arrest persons. States have to implement this task.
Mr. President,
Compliance is a key catchword. Moreover, we will on our part commit our efforts to promote further consolidation of the Court. This will guide our work in regard to all the items on the agenda of this Session.
Thank you