Statement by Mr. Masahiko Koumura, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, on the Appointment of Ambassador Shotaro Oshima as member of the Appellate Body of the World Trade Organization (WTO)

November 28, 2007

1. On November 27 (Mon) (Geneva Time), the Dispute Settlement Body of the World Trade Organization (WTO) decided to appoint Ambassador Shotaro Oshima as one of the members of the Appellate Body of the WTO (for a four-year term from June 2008).  Japan welcomes this decision.
    
2. The Appellate Body adjudicates on international trade disputes as the final stage in the dispute settlement system of the WTO as one of the pivotal organs in the WTO.  Japan recognizes that it is highly significant that since the creation of the WTO in 1995 Japanese members of the Appellate Body contribute to the effective function of the dispute settlement system providing security and predictability to the WTO system.
    
3. Japan hopes that Ambassador Oshima will contribute proactively in the WTO dispute settlement system drawing on his extensive knowledge and experience, in particular, in economic diplomacy areas.  Japan would also like to pay tribute to the important contribution made by Dr. Yasuhei Taniguchi (Professor, School of Legal Affairs of Senshu University) whose term as member of the Appellate Body will expire on next December.

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