Statement by Minister for Foreign Affairs Yoriko Kawaguchi concerning the Election of Mr. Hisashi Owada as a Judge of the International Court of Justice

October 22, 2002

I welcome the fact that Japan's candidate, Mr. Hisashi Owada (President of the Japan Institute of International Affairs, Advisor to the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, former Permanent Representative to the United Nations of Japan) was elected as a Judge of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) at the election held at the General Assembly and the Security Council of the United Nations on October 21.
Given the increasing role of the ICJ, the most authoritative judicial organ in the international community, in the peaceful settlement of international disputes, the contribution of Japanese judges in the ICJ is extremely significant. I expect much of Mr. Owada's contribution as a Judge of the ICJ, following Judge Shigeru Oda, who has been playing this important role for 27 years (3 terms).
The Japanese Government is determined to continue its cooperation for the further development of the ICJ, and actively make its contribution in the field of international law.

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