DRAFT STATEMENT ON THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF

UNCLAS STATE 111379 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UNSC SUBJECT: DRAFT STATEMENT ON THE INTERNATIONAL COURT OF JUSTICE ¶1. Action request: Department requests that USUN deliver the following statement at the October 29 Security Council briefing on the International Court of Justice. ¶2. Begin Text: Thank you, Mr. President. President Owada, let me begin by welcoming you to the Council. Thank you for this report and for your leadership of the Court during this significant period in its history. We strongly support the ICJ and other similar mechanisms. They play a vital role in helping to defuse and resolve matters that might otherwise develop into threats to international peace and security. In this respect, the work of the ICJ complements the work of the United Nations as a whole. We all have an interest in an effective Court. Our support for the work of the International Court of Justice also reflects the importance we attach to the role of international law in the international system. International law plays a critical role in fostering stability and order in international relations and in providing a framework for cooperation among States in addressing common challenges, thus contributing to the maintenance of international peace and security. The work of the International Court of Justice helps to promote these objectives by facilitating effective implementation of international law through the cases it decides. We welcome the opportunity to discuss the work of the International Court of Justice and we look forward to continuing to work with president Owada and others in the international community to promote the Court's effectiveness. End Text. CLINTON