(As delivered)

STATEMENT BY H.E. AMBASSADOR SHINICHI KITAOKA,
DEPUTY PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF JAPAN

AT THE 59TH SESSION OF THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY
ON AGENDA ITEM 13: REPORT OF THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE

4 November 2004

Mr. President of the General Assembly,
Mr. President of the International Court of Justice,
Secretary-General,
Distinguished Delegates,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

It is my pleasure and honour, on behalf of the Government of Japan, to address this Assembly under the presidency of H.E. Mr. Jean Ping. First of all, I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to Judge Shi Jiuyong, President of the International Court of Justice, for his comprehensive presentation on the report of the ICJ today. My delegation would like to express its gratitude and support for the achievements of the ICJ over the past year.

There is a growing awareness among nations that the international community must establish law and order, and that international law should play a greater role in that regard. International law is a dynamic legal system which has continued to evolve over time. Needless to say, interpreting and implementing international law requires not only a profound knowledge of the law but also wisdom and farsightedness on the part of the international community. From that point of view, the importance of the role of the Court, as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations, cannot be overstated.

Japan is a State which believes in the rule of law and steadfastly upholds the principle of peaceful settlement of disputes. The Secretary-General, in his address to the General Assembly on 21 September this year, also reiterated the importance of respect for the rule of law. Japan appreciates the achievements of the Court of the past year, during which, despite a high number of cases in the dockets, the Court managed to deliver judgements and an opinion based on in-depth consideration of the relevant legal issues. This year, we have also witnessed some notable decisions involving controversial issues in international law. The question of whether or not the Court should remain in the traditional area of international law, applying only established jurisprudence, requires further discussion, but it is a given fact that the international community is developing rapidly and we require a system of laws capable of addressing the latest situation confronting the world. Therefore, with regard to interpretations of the individual issues of international law that were highlighted by the Court, I believe that nations will eventually come to a common understanding.

To conclude my statement, I would like to underscore again the great importance attached to the International Court of Justice as the keeper of law and wisdom in our world. Japan will continue to contribute to the invaluable work of the ICJ.

Thank you.

Related Information (Japan and the United Nations)

Permanent Mission of Japan to the United Nations Official Web Site