Fifty-sixth General Assembly

Sixth Committee

26^th Meeting (AM)

LEGAL COMMITTEE ENDS CURRENT DEBATE ON PLANS FOR INTERNATIONAL

CRIMINAL COURT, TAKES ACTION ON OTHER ISSUES

Texts Approved on Assistance in Law Training, Relations with Host

Country, General Assembly Observer Status for Global Development Institute

The Sixth Committee (Legal) this morning approved three draft resolutions, without votes, and concluded its discussion of the report of the Preparatory Commission for the International Criminal Court.

The Committee approved a draft resolution on the United Nations Programme of Assistance for the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law, which requests the Secretary-General to achieve the best possible results in the administration of the Programme within its financial restraints.

Speaking on that topic were the representatives of Mexico, Malaysia and Grenada.

A draft resolution on the Report of the Host Country notes the efforts to resolve the problem of parking of diplomatic vehicles, and that diplomatic reports of cases of discriminatory treatment will be brought to the attention of New York City officials.

The representatives of Belgium, speaking on behalf of the European Union and its associated States, and the United States, as Host Country, gave statements on that topic.

The third draft approved observer status for the International Development Institute in the General Assembly.  The 15-member Institute is a multilateral intergovernmental organization which contributes to the teaching, dissemination and wider appreciation of international law.

In concluding its debate on the International Criminal Court, the Committee heard from the representatives of Australia (on behalf of the Pacific Forum), Madagascar, Canada, New Zealand, Croatia, Philippines, Republic of Korea, Haiti, Cyprus, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Trinidad and Tobago (on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)), Bangladesh and Peru.  The Observer of Switzerland also made a statement.

A number of delegates again expressed condolences to the people of the United States and the Dominican Republic for the tragic loss of life in yesterday’s plane crash in Queens, New York.

The Committee will meet next at a date to be announced in The Journal.  

Background

The Sixth Committee (Legal) met this morning to complete its debate on the establishment of the International Criminal Court, and also the United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law, on which it was to act on a related draft resolution.

The Committee was also to complete its consideration of the Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country and take action on a related draft resolution.  Finally, it was to take up its agenda item on “Observer status for the International Development Law Institute in the General Assembly”.

Draft resolution L.13

By a draft resolution on "United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law” (document A/C.6/56/L.13), the General Assembly would approve the guidelines and recommendations contained in a report of the Secretary-General (document A/56/484), in particular those designed to achieve the best possible results in the administration of the Programme within financial restraint.

(In his report, the Secretary-General recommends that the United Nations and other agencies should continue the current activities under the Programme and develop and expand them if new funds become available through voluntary contributions.  He states that, in principle, new activities should be undertaken only if the overall level of appropriations or voluntary contributions make them possible.)

By the text, the General Assembly would authorize the Secretary-General to carry out in 2002 and 2003 the activities he had specified in his report, including the provision of international fellowships and travel grants.  He would also be asked to consider the possibility of admitting, for participation in the various components of the Programme, candidates from countries willing to bear the entire cost of such participation.  He was also to continue publicizing the Programme and periodically to invite Member states, universities, philanthropic foundations and other interested national and international institutions and organizations, as well as individuals, to make voluntary contributions towards its financing.

The Secretary-General would also be requested to submit recommendations on the execution of the Programme in subsequent years in a report to the General Assembly at its fifty-eighth session.  The report would also include an account of the implementation of the Programme during 2002 and 2003.

The Assembly would decide to keep the item on the provisional agenda of its fifty-eighth session.

The United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law was established by the General assembly in its resolution 2099 (XX) of 20 December 1965.  The Secretary-General's report also contains activities carried out under the Programme by the United Nations, the Office of Legal Affairs and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research, among others.

The report states that the Secretariat had continued its efforts to reduce the backlog in the publication of the Repertory of Practice of United Nations Organs, as well as of the Repertoire of the Practice of the Security Council.  The following volumes of the Repertory were completed or were expected to be completed by the end of 2001, according to the report:  volumes III and IV of Supplement No.5 (covering the period 1970-1978) and volumes I, IV and V of Supplement No.6 (covering the period 1979-1984).  With regard to the Repertoire of Practice of the Security Council, the tenth Supplement (covering the period 1985-1988) was published and a web site (www.un.org/Depts/dpa/repertoire/index.html) was established containing all volumes of the Repertoire published thus far.

A trust fund was established in 2000 to obtain additional temporary assistance for the preparation of Repertoire Supplements.  According to the report, countries that had contributed to the trust fund during 2000 and 2001 were Belarus $1,000; Finland $7,000; Germany $87,406; United Kingdom $178,675, New Zealand $10,000; Portugal $6,000; and Switzerland $29,100.

Draft resolution L.15

A draft resolution on the "Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country" (document A/CV.6/56/L.15) would have the General Assembly endorse the Committee's recommendations and conclusions.

The General Assembly would indicate that it considered the maintenance of appropriate conditions for the normal work of the delegations and the missions accredited to the United Nations and the observance of their privileges and immunities was in the interest of the Organization and all Member States.  The host country, the United States, would be asked to continue to take all measures necessary to prevent any interference with the functioning of missions.

The General Assembly would also ask the United States to continue to take steps to resolve the problem relating to the parking of diplomatic vehicles in a fair, balanced and non-discriminatory way, to respond to the growing needs of the diplomatic community.  The host country was to continue to consult with the Committee on that important issue.

In its report (document A/56/26), the Committee on Relations with the Host Country expressed its deepest condolences to the families of the countless victims of the heinous acts of terrorism inflicted upon the host city and country on 11 September 2001.  It also expressed its gratitude for the rescue and recovery efforts by the competent local, state and federal authorities.  Finally, it expressed its solidarity with the people and Government of the United States and its hope that all those responsible for the massive death and destruction would be brought to justice as soon as possible.

In its recommendations and conclusions, the Committee noted the efforts of the host country mission to resolve the problem of parking of diplomatic vehicles in order to maintain appropriate conditions for the functioning of delegations and missions in a manner that was fair, non-discriminatory, efficient and consistent with international law.  The host country was also to bring to the attention of New York City officials reports from the diplomatic community about cases of discriminatory treatment against diplomats, in order to ameliorate the situation and to promote compliance with international norms concerning diplomatic privileges and immunities.

Statements

JOHN DAUTH (Australia), speaking on behalf of the Pacific Islands Forum Group, said that in the past year acceptance of the Rome Statute (on the International Criminal Court) had increased exponentially.  The 46 ratifications represented States from all parts of the world.  Four of the 46 States were members of the Pacific Island Forum and others were well advanced in the process of amending internal domestic procedures and legislation to enable ratification.  In particular, the process for Samoa and Australia was well advanced.

Much of the “architecture” of rules and instruments necessary for the effective functioning of the Court was now in place, he said.  Particularly important was the fact that the documents had been concluded in a manner which maintained the integrity of the Statute as adopted in Rome.  Despite that excellent progress much remained to be done, such as work on definition of the crime of aggression and the Headquarters agreement.  There were also practical issues involved in establishing the Court to be considered -— the first year budget, other financial issues, and procedures for election of judges and prosecutors, to name a few.  He supported the view that two sessions of two weeks' duration would allow the Preparatory Commission to finish its work.

LYDIA RANDRIANARIVONY (Madagascar) said that recent events in different parts of the world had shown that no nation was immune from instability.  The rapid establishment of the International Criminal Court would be indispensable in putting an end to impunity.  She reiterated her country’s support for the process leading to the establishment of a credible and independent Court, which would be well suited to combat impunity.

The authorities in her country were proceeding carefully to examine the Rome Statute, in order that it was ratified. She associated her country with a regional seminar held last February in Yaounde, Cameroon, on the Statute.

She welcomed the adoption by the Preparatory Commission of all the basic texts necessary for the Court to function.  She commended the government of the Netherlands for the preparatory work it had undertaken in connection with the functioning of the Court.  Her delegation supported the holding of two sessions by the Commission in 2002, and the adoption of the “roadmap” prepared by its Bureau on the work that remained to be done towards the establishment of the Court.

She hoped a broad consensus would be achieved on the question of the crime of aggression as soon as possible.  She commended the Secretary-General for the establishment of trust funds for the participation of least developed and developing countries in the work of the Preparatory Commission.  She also commended De Paul University of the United States for its financial support as well.

ELANA GEDDIS (New Zealand) noting that the rate of ratifications exceeded expectations, said the success was to a large extent attributable to the work of non-governmental organizations in “spreading the word”, through workshops and providing technical assistance.  As a small country, dependent on the rule of law, New Zealand’s interests lay in supporting effective international solutions.  It therefore gave priority to early ratification of the Rome Statute.  The government’s passage of the necessary implementing legislation already had an immediate and tangible benefit.  Irrespective of exactly when the International Criminal Court was established, the legislation ensured that her country would never be regarded as a safe haven by the perpetrators of those crimes under the Court’s jurisdiction.  It also ensured that New Zealand would be in a position to respond to its obligations under the Statute the moment it entered into force.

The roadmap which had been developed showed that there was still much work to be done, she said, supporting the recommendation for two sessions of the Preparatory Commission to be held in the first half of next year.  She said she welcomed the statement from the Foreign Minister of the Netherlands at the Commission’s last session, about preparations by his Government for the Court.  It was important that the Court have “an easy birth” and she had no doubt that would be the case, given the commitment of the Netherlands, and its track record in relation to other institutions of international justice.

The definition of the crime of aggression raised some of the most difficult and complex issues that had confronted the Commission, she said.  They were unlikely to be resolved within the two remaining sessions.  Therefore, once the International Criminal Court was established, it would need to set up a process to ensure that non-State Parties continued to participate in the aggression negotiations.

ANDRAS VAMOS-GOLDMAN (Canada) said the creation of the International Criminal Court was clearly within sight.  The work of the Preparatory Commission was becoming increasingly important given the rate of ratifications.  He cited the remarks of the Secretary-General at the Millennium Assembly as having played a motivating role in the rate of ratifications, as together with the organized and cooperative effort by civil society, States and State organizations.  Canada’s campaign for the court would continue in the coming years; through the campaign, Canada continued to provide technical support to interested countries, in partnership with governments and organizations, on the implementation of the Rome Statute.

He said Canada was proud of its International Criminal Court initiative to date, and called on as many countries as possible to implement similar specific funding programmes.  It also encouraged all other States to ratify the Statute.  He noted that the countries ratifying or acceding to the Statute before the first meeting of the Assembly of States Parties would take part in adopting the Court’s principle documents and electing its key officers, the Presidency, Prosecutor and Registrar.

IRENA CACIC (Croatia) said her delegation hoped that the ongoing work of the Preparatory Commission, including the definition of the crime of aggression, would soon be completed in a spirit of cooperation and understanding.  Her country has been the first in Central and Eastern Europe to ratify the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court last March.  The Court, with its universal jurisdiction, held the promise of becoming a true guarantor of international peace and justice.  Its establishment was critical in putting an end to the culture of impunity.

She said the magnitude of the terrorist crimes witnessed on 11 September in the United States indicated that they could qualify as crime against humanity and thus come under the scope of the Court’s Statute.  The ideal of evenhanded global justice could be achieved through global participation in the Rome Statute.  Her delegation joined in the appeal to all States that had not done so to consider ratifying the Statute.

BLAS F.OPLE (Philippines) said the signing by his country of the Rome Statute was a resolute affirmation by the Government and the people of the highest value they ascribed to the dignity of human beings, protection of human rights and the rule of law.  They were gratified that the Rome Statute reflected their core national values, and were proud to be associated in the noble effort to establish the International Criminal Court.

His country’s Senate would consider taking action on the Rome Statute after its submission by the Government.  A number of factors would be taken into account in making the assessment, including the fact that the process to establish the Court should remain untainted by politics.  The Court must maintain its integrity if it was to be a fair instrument of justice and rule of law.  Every one within the Court’s jurisdiction must be accorded equal protection of the law.

His country had been concerned over some proposals that tended to dilute the Court’s judicial competence by the insertion of the political organs of the United Nations in its process.  The role of the United Nations political organs on aggression must be properly circumscribed to avoid any intrusion in the Court’s exercise of its judicial prerogatives.  The future functions, powers and prerogatives of the Court must be informed by the realities in the Southeast Asian region, he said.

At the national level, his Government was conducting consultations both with governmental organizations and NGOs as well as with parliament to establish a national consensus on the International Criminal Court.

HWANG CHEOL-KYU (Republic of Korea) said that given the complexity and delicacy of the issues involved, the achievements of the Commission were laudable.  The outcome would lay a solid basis for the establishment of the Court.  Despite the successful completion of the various stages so far, though, further steps remained to be taken and several snags awaited.  Delicate issues such as the first year budget, including the trust fund for victims, as well the Headquarters agreement and the definition of the crime of aggression, perhaps the most disputed agenda item still to be elaborated.

There was a need to ensure, through meticulous planning and fulfillment of the tasks outlined in the roadmap, that the Court would be in a position to carry out its work from its inception.  The Republic of Korea had signed the Statute and had been undertaking the preparatory work necessary to ratify it in the near future.  He expressed hope that States would help each other by exchanging information on the measures necessary for implementing the Rome Statute, particularly the revision of domestic legislation.

MONETTE DONAT-CATTIN (Haiti) expressed condolences to the people of the United States and the Dominican Republic for the plane crash yesterday.

Noting the 46 ratifications of the Rome Statute, she welcomed the determination of those who had already ratified the treaty, saying that it proved that progress toward international justice was irreversible.  There had also been tangible progress in the last four sessions of the Preparatory Commission.  The agreed upon documents on practical arrangements for the Court were a clear indication of the consensus that had emerged to ensure that the Court was provided with all the juridical, administrative and logistical support it needed.

She expressed satisfaction with the adoption of the various agreements and pointed out that documents could not be interpreted as amendments to the Statute.  As the work involved in the road map developed for the effective functioning of the Court showed, it would be necessary to hold two sessions in 2002 for the Commission to complete its tasks.  Her own country was striving hard to harmonize the provisions in its national law with the obligations under the Rome Statute.

The fight against impunity required strong measures, she said. The greatest challenge facing the Commission now was the definition of the crime of aggression.  It would be appropriate to consider the grave terrorist attacks systematically targeted against civilians as crimes against humanity.

ANDREAS JACOVIDES (Cyprus), while noting the great progress made by the Preparatory Commission said the Commission was not yet at the end of the road.  Much work remained to be done.  The definition of the crime of aggression, despite many commendable efforts, was still pending.  While a General Assembly resolution on aggression , reached by consensus after many years of work, provided a sound basis, the issue was understandably complicated in the context of international criminal law by the role of the Security Council under the Charter, and possibly by the International Court of Justice.  It would thus require additional time and effort to be resolved satisfactorily.

He said the events of 11 September, which in his delegation’s view could come squarely within the jurisdiction of the Court under crimes against humanity, served as a reminder that those who committed such crimes must be held responsible.  They also underlined the need for the International Criminal Court to come into existence as soon as possible.

It could be realistically hoped, he said, that the Rome Statute for an International Criminal Court would enter into force as early as next year, four years after it was concluded.  Cyprus had been one of the earliest advocates and pioneers of international criminal jurisdiction in preference ad hoc tribunals, even though at the time the idea was considered unrealistic.

MARCEL FORTUNA BIATO (Brazil) said the number of important draft texts adopted by the Preparatory Commission in September was an eloquent reminder of the speed with which the international community was moving ahead.  Yet much remained to be done as the entry into force of the Statute neared.

The Commission’s work had achieved a degree of legitimacy and credibility that gave hope for the universal acceptance of the Court as a bastion against impunity.  The President of Brazil, in his recent statement to the General Assembly debate, had reaffirmed the conviction that the establishment of the International Criminal Court would be, above all, an urgently needed victory for the cause of human rights.  He was pleased to announce that Brazil was expediting ratification procedures.

He said Brazil had been favourably impressed by the constructive atmosphere prevailing in the on-going deliberations on the crime of aggression.  Discussions had been instructive and productive.  On the other hand, the exchange of views on the Court’s relationship with the Security Council, in particular, had explored thought-provoking proposals concerning the Court’s future place within a wider system of mutually reinforcing institutions and practices.  He welcomed the Chairman’s decision to organize further meetings of the working group on the crime of aggression in the coming sessions.

MAHMOUD AL-NAMAN (Saudi Arabia), noting the numerous draft agreements that had been completed by the Preparatory Commission, said there was no doubt that the constructive and cooperative efforts made by States, in the Commission as well as in Rome, had led to the successful completion of those documents.

On the search for a definition of the crime of aggression, he said that although the Security Council had primary responsibility to determine when aggression occurred, the International Criminal Court still had a major responsibility in that regard.  He recalled various proposals made in the Commission’s working group on the subject.  Referring to the proposal submitted by Bosnia and Herzegovina and New Zealand, he expressed concern that several important elements from General Assembly resolution 3314 had not been included.  As to the conditions for exercise of jurisdiction by the International Criminal Court, the proposal to work through the International Court of Justice could be one possible solution, in the event that the Security Council decided not to act. However, the conditions must be explicitly spelled out.

Concerning the consensus text to be prepared by the coordinator of the working group for discussion at the next session, he cautioned that the text should include elements not only of the proposal by Bosnia and Herzegovina but also those contained in the proposal submitted by the Arab Group.  The coordinator needed to continue to search for solutions if the Security Council could not determine a crime of aggression.  The Court must be independent in the exercise of its jurisdiction, particularly when it came to a crime of aggression.

VALENTIN ZELLWEGER, Observer for Switzerland, said his country had submitted its instrument of ratification of the Rome Statute to the Secretary-General last October.  Ratification of the Statute was a priority for his country.  Domestic legislation was being amended to ensure that Switzerland would be in a position to cooperate with the court once its Statute entered into force.  Switzerland would be very much interested in the experience of other countries and also to share its own with others in the implementation of the Statute’s provisions.

He said the adoption of the texts related to the functioning of the Court, by the Preparatory Commission, would make the Court universal.  What was needed was the wider acceptance of the Court in all regions to make it truly universal.  He said the Court must be transparent and open-minded.  Switzerland was particularly pleased that the texts had been adopted by consensus.  It augured well for the achievement of the Court’s universality.  Getting the magic number of 60 ratifications should not be the only end.

Other important tasks had to be undertaken before the Court would “see the light of day”, he said.  Its smooth functioning from the first day would be crucial to its credibility.  The Commission’s roadmap contained all the elements to ensure that its mandate was fulfilled.

GAILE RAMOUTAR (Trinidad and Tobago), speaking on behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), expressed condolences to the people of the United States and the Dominican Republic for the tragic loss of life in the plane crash yesterday. 

She said the establishment of the permanent Court would eliminate the need for ad hoc tribunals which addressed retroactively a specific situation.  It would also hopefully act as a deterrent to would-be perpetrators of the heinous crimes within the Court’s jurisdiction.  The International Criminal Court would be a significant landmark for international justice in the new millennium.

Referring to the work on the crime of aggression, she said very useful proposals had been presented, and as Member States strove to reach consensus, they should consider them with all the proposals on the table.  She expressed hope that Member States would exhibit the necessary political will to overcome obstacles and allow consensus.  Adequate time must be allocated to the working group and for informal consultations at future meetings of the Commission.

She also believed that two sessions of two weeks’ duration should be allocated for the Commission in 2002.  The roadmap would provide useful guidance on the outstanding issues.  She supported a request to the Secretary-General to convene the first meeting of the Assembly of States Parties shortly after entry into force of the Statute.  It was imperative that arrangements be put in place for adequate financial resources for that purpose.

CARICOM hoped that the Review Conference would succeed in elaborating an acceptable definition of the crime of illegal drug trafficking, which was one of the principal grounds for the re-introduction of the International Criminal Court onto the United Nations agenda.  That crime was sufficiently grave and had such devastating consequences for societies that it warranted inclusion in the jurisdiction of the Court.

MOSUD MANNAN (Bangladesh) expressed heartfelt condolences and sympathy for the victims of the tragic plane crash yesterday.

Noting that Bangladesh had signed the Rome Statute, he expressed appreciation at the significant progress made in the last session of the Preparatory Commission.  Member States should continue to actively take part in framing the rest of the policies related to the practical arrangements for the establishment and coming into operation of the Court.  He stressed the need to ensure that the Court was impartial and independent of political organs of the United Nations which should not hinder the functions of the Court nor assume a parallel or superior role to the Court.  He called upon Member States to have a detailed but conclusive discussion on the definition of the crime of aggression.  He also urged the international community to allow the Court to retain its jurisdiction in respect of enforced disappearances as per the Rome Statute.

He welcomed the United Nations offer to provide technical assistance in understanding the core multi-lateral instruments of which the Rome Statute was a major one.  Bangladesh had already embarked upon the process of ratification that involved technical, legislative and legal implications and therefore sought and welcomed the offer of delegations which were ready to share their expertise.

AUGUSTO CABRERA (Peru) said the establishment of the International Criminal Court was a deep desire of the international community to oppose impunity.  It was now becoming a reality.  The world community had seen an irreversible trend of globalization.  It had also seen the globalization of terrorism.  There was need for globalization of justice.

His country embraced the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court.  He announced that the President of his country last Saturday deposited the country’s instrument of ratification of the Statute with the depositary at United Nations Headquarters.

Significant efforts had been made to disseminate information on the purposes of the Statute, and a seminar on the International Criminal Court had been held in Lima last October.  Peru noted that the work of the Preparatory Commission had led to concrete results, but there remained substantive issues to be resolved, such as the definition of aggression.

He supported the proposal for two sessions of two weeks duration each for the Preparatory Commission next year.  Peru would cooperate fully with the working groups so that the Commission attained its objective.  The Secretary-General must immediately convene the first meeting of the Assembly of States Parties once the sixtieth ratification of the Statute was achieved.

Statements on United Nations Programme of Assistance

ALFONSO ASCENCIO (Mexico) said his country had great interest in the Programme, which was so important in promoting the rule of international law and principles of peace.  Its impact underscored the value of the efforts aimed at consolidating the Programme.  Mexico considered the Fellowship programme in International Law to be one of the most important elements of the Programme, for the opportunity it granted for the study and better understanding of international law.  Noting its particular value to students from developing countries, he said priority in the granting of fellowships should be given to those students.

Mexico’s investment in a constant effort to promote the study and appreciation of international law in the universities was showing results.  There was a noticeable increase in the interest on the part of students.  He was grateful to the United Nations Secretariat for the publication of the Summary of Advisory Opinions of the International Court of Justice.  It was proving to be of great interest to Mexican academics and was a useful tool in his country, since it was also published in Spanish.

ZAINUDDIN YAHYA (Malaysia), speaking on behalf of the Countries of the Association of South-East Asian Nations (ASEAN), expressed appreciation for the Secretary-General’s comprehensive report on the topic.  He said the ASEAN countries believed the United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law significantly contributed to the promotion of the rule of international law among States.

The Programme had provided access to international law through, its publications and the numerous web Sites within the purview of the programme, to students, academicians, practitioners, government officials and interested individuals.  The extensive exposure to international law had proven to be valuable to participants in the many seminars and workshops organized under the Programme.

The ASEAN countries thanked Member States that had made voluntary contributions to finance the Programme.  They expressed appreciation to the Office of Legal Affairs and the United Nations Institute for Training and Research for their efforts to make it a success.

HAROLD FRUCHTBAUM (Grenada) said the difficulty was how to make international law accessible to those who were not experts or students of the subject.  Why such an undertaking was necessary became obvious to him, he said, in the summer of 1998 when a major newspaper in New York expressed its opposition to the International Criminal Court –- then being debated in Rome –- by an editorial that there was no such thing as international law.  The newspaper said it was a fantasy, he added.  He said he could not say how many readers of that newspaper were influenced “by that stupidity” but whatever the number, “it was troubling indeed”.

He said the United Nations system, working in cooperation with governments and intergovernmental organizations and NGOs, must mobilize the necessary resources to create a long-term programme designed to make an introduction to the basic concepts and principles of international law and international humanitarian law a basic part of every young person’s education.  Just as young people were introduced to the fundamentals of religion and the natural and social sciences, they should be introduced to the fundamentals of law.  The United Nations system could make a significant contribution towards that end, he added.

Action on L.13

The Sixth Committee approved the draft text on the United Nations Programme of Assistance in the Teaching, Study, Dissemination and Wider Appreciation of International Law contained in document A/C.6/56/L.13 without a vote.

Report of Host Country Committee

EVERT MARECHAL (Belgium), speaking on behalf of the European Union and its associated countries of Central and Eastern Europe (Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Czech Republic, Poland, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia) as well as Cyprus and Malta, expressed appreciation for the Committee’s work.  He said it had, since its inception, provided a unique forum for discussions and resolution of practical problems encountered by members of the diplomatic community in New York.

Finding solutions to such problems contributed to the smooth functioning of the United Nations Headquarters and promoted understanding between the Organization, its Member States and the host country.  The European Union welcomed the efforts of the Government of the United States, through the Office of Foreign Missions of its Mission to the United Nations, to accommodate the interests and requirements of the diplomatic community in New York.

With regard to topics considered by the Host Country Committee, he said the European Union reiterated its view that it was important that sufficient space be ensured for diplomatic vehicles to maintain appropriate conditions for the functioning of Missions.  It also reiterated that questions regarding the issuance of visas to representatives of Member States of the United Nations and regarding their movements on the host country’s territory, needed to be settled in conformity with the relevant provisions of the Headquarters Agreement.

The European countries expressed sincere gratitude to the host country and in particular to the city of New York, for the supplementary efforts they made to ensure the security of Missions accredited to the United Nations and their personnel after the horrific attacks on the city and the host country on 11 September 2001.

JOHN SANDAGE (United States) thanked delegations for the expression of condolences on the American Airlines plane crash yesterday and the events of 11 September.  The United States had been happy to serve as host country since 1946, and believed the Host Country Committee was a valuable forum for discussing issues of interest to delegations.  The Committee meetings and its working groups enabled the host country to understand the concerns of delegations.  The host country appreciated the cooperation of the Committee and that of the Secretariat. 

The United States had sought to fulfil its obligations and remained committed to doing so.

He said the United States would continue to make every effort to ensure that visas were processed in a timely manner.  On the issue of the parking of diplomatic vehicles, he said unimpeded access to Headquarters was made.  Such provision was not required in respect of travels within the country not connected with United Nations business.

The Sixth Committee then approved the draft resolution on the Report of the Committee on Relations with the Host Country (document A/C.6/56/L.15) without a vote.

Introduction of L.16

WALTER GEHR (Austria) introduced draft resolution A/C.6/56/L.16 by which the General Assembly would invite the International Development Institute to participate in its sessions and work as an observer.  The co-sponsors of the text were Australia, Bulgaria, Burkina Faso, China, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Philippines, Senegal and Tunisia.

He said the Institute was a multilateral intergovernmental organization with 15 members.  He said it was the view of the co-sponsors of the draft that the work of the Institute contributed significantly to the teaching, dissemination and wider appreciation of international law, a matter of primary interest to the General Assembly.  Over the years, he said, the Institute had acquired impressive expertise in the field of capacity-building, through training of lawyers in international development law and by disseminating knowledge about the rules applicable in international trade and investment.

He said observer status for the organization could initiate closer interaction between it and all relevant organs of the United Nations system.

The Sixth Committee went on to approve the draft resolution without a vote.

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