NEWS: Tokyo officially decides to join ICC in 2007 Dear Friends, The Kyodo News reported on Wednesday that the Japanese government have finalized its decision to join the International Criminal Court during the year 2007. Also, the NHK (national broadcasting service in Japan) has reported on today's morning news of the same matter, adding to the credibility of the report. Since official translation of the Kyodo article is unavailable as of yet, here's my full translation for IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Congratulations to all of us who were involved in this process!
Japan decides to join the International Criminal Court in 2007
August 30, 2006
TOKYO (KYODO NEWS) - The Japanese government have finalized the decision on Wednesday to accede, during the year 2007, to the Rome Statute establishing the International Criminal Court (ICC) which prosecutes grave international crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. A ratification bill seeking approval of the Diet will be submitted in the next regular session of the Diet beginning next January, along with final drafting of implementing legislations. Accordingly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have included a sum of 1.9 billion yen (approx. USD 16.2 million) for appropriation for the Court in the fiscal 2007 budget request.
Although Japan's action is in contrary to the United States who opposes the Court, the government has determined that as a peace-loving nation seeking to abolish wars they need to express their stance and willingness to cooperate with the international community. Following such decision, negotiations among different government agencies were expedited to a point that government as whole have decided to accede to the Rome Statute.
TOKYO (KYODO NEWS) - The Japanese government have finalized the decision on Wednesday to accede, during the year 2007, to the Rome Statute establishing the International Criminal Court (ICC) which prosecutes grave international crimes such as genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. A ratification bill seeking approval of the Diet will be submitted in the next regular session of the Diet beginning next January, along with final drafting of implementing legislations. Accordingly, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs have included a sum of 1.9 billion yen (approx. USD 16.2 million) for appropriation for the Court in the fiscal 2007 budget request.
Although Japan's action is in contrary to the United States who opposes the Court, the government has determined that as a peace-loving nation seeking to abolish wars they need to express their stance and willingness to cooperate with the international community. Following such decision, negotiations among different government agencies were expedited to a point that government as whole have decided to accede to the Rome Statute.
