STATEMENT BY H.E. MR. SHIGEKI SUMI
AMBASSADOR, PERMANENT MISSION OF JAPAN
TO THE UNITED NATIONS

ON AGENDA ITEM 70:
REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE
UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
28 OCTOBER 2010

Mr. President of the General Assembly,
Mr. President of the International Court of Justice,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentleman,

I would like to express my gratitude to President Hisashi Owada for his in-depth report summarizing the current situation of the International Court of Justice. As a State resolutely devoted to peace and firmly dedicated to the promotion of the rule of law and respect for the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes, Japan appreciates the strenuous efforts and work of the Court presided over by Judge Owada, in delivering decisions and an opinion based on exhaustive deliberation.

Mr. President,

We are especially impressed by the wide regional range of Member States seeking to resolve international legal disputes by referring cases to the ICJ. This fact illustrates the universality of the Court and the great importance that Member States attach to the ICJ.

The variety of subject matter of the recent cases, from the frontier dispute to the obligation to prosecute or extradite, also demonstrates the significant role played by the ICJ in solving international disputes between States and providing its opinion on important questions in international law. In this regard, we also commend the work of the Court on the advisory opinion regarding the question of accordance with international law of the unilateral declaration of independence by Kosovo.

In the international community, where we continue to witness armed conflict and acts of terrorism, the firm establishment of law and order remains indispensable.  In this regard, the role of the International Court of Justice, as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, is paramount and cannot be overstated.

Mr. President,

In concluding my remarks, I wish to reiterate the great importance the international community attaches to the lofty cause and work of the International Court of Justice, as well as to draw your attention to the importance of strengthening the functioning of the Court.  Japan, for its part, will continue to contribute to the invaluable work and the efficient operation of the ICJ.

I thank you.