Statement by Mr. Hirofumi Nakasone, Minister for Foreign Affairs, on the Election of Judge Hisashi Owada, as President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ)

February 6, 2009

1. The Government of Japan welcomes the election of Judge Hisashi Owada, a Japanese Member of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), in the election to the presiding of the Court, which was carried out in a meeting of the ICJ judges held in the Hague, Netherlands, on February 6 (Fri) (Netherlands time).
    
2. Given the increasing role of the ICJ in the peaceful settlement of international disputes as the most authoritative judicial organ in the international community, the contribution of Japanese judges in the ICJ is extremely significant.  Japan believes that the election of Judge Owada, who has already played this important role for the last six years as Member of the ICJ, as the first Japanese President of the Court, is significant in that it indicates the high evaluation given to him.  Judge Owada is expected to play an ever greater role as the President of the Court.
    
3. The Government of Japan is determined to continue its cooperation for the development of the ICJ, and to actively contribute to the promotion of the rule of law in the international community.