Statement by Japan

From the very outset of this Review Conference, Japan has been repeatedly emphasizing the paramount importance of fostering of the International Criminal Court that can function truly effectively on the basis of total confidence of the international community.

It is my sad duty to state that, all the bona fide efforts of many participants and your tireless efforts notwithstanding, the draft resolution you are proposing now does not live up to this requirement as it stands.

As I have repeatedly pointed out in both formal and various informal settings, this delegation continues to have serious doubt as to the legal integrity of the amendment procedure this draft resolution is based upon. In light of the absolute necessity of the legal integrity for a treaty dealing with criminal responsibility of individuals, the upshot of adopting such a resolution, I am afraid, is the undermining of the credibility of the Rome Statute and the whole system it represents. We have also a serious concern that this amendment may entail non-negligible difficulties in our relationship with the ICC system.