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<title>CANADIAN OBJECTIVES MET IN AGREEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT</title>
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<p><font face="Courier"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2"></font><font face="Univers" size="+2">July 17, 1998 No. 175</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Univers" size="+2">CANADIAN OBJECTIVES MET IN AGREEMENT ON INTERNATIONAL
CRIMINAL COURT</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Foreign Affairs Minister Lloyd Axworthy, attending the final day of a diplomatic
conference held in Rome from June 15 to July 17, today welcomed the successful
conclusion of negotiations to establish a permanent International Criminal Court
(ICC).</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Representatives from 160 countries have agreed to the Statute of the Court, which
will have to be ratified by 60 states before entry into force. It will have
jurisdiction over the crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes,
including those committed in internal armed conflicts. Proceedings will be
initiated by an independent prosecutor, as well as by states. There is also
provision for referrals to the Court by the United Nations Security Council.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"The creation of the Court is the culmination of years of arduous work and five
weeks of intensive meetings here in Rome," said Mr. Axworthy. "It marks a
significant step in the deterrence of the most serious violation of international
humanitarian law, and in putting a stop to impunity for the most heinous crimes."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Mr. Axworthy also welcomed the Statute's ground-breaking focus on the plight of
women and children in armed conflict by recognizing rape and the recruitment of
child soldiers as war crimes. These two issues were priorities for Canada
throughout the negotiations.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">"This is a court worth having," said Mr. Axworthy. The collective efforts of the
international community have realized an institution that will be independent and
effective."</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Mr. Axworthy congratulated Canada's Philippe Kirsch, Legal Advisor to the
Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, who acted as Chairman of
the Conference and who ably presided over the international meeting through the
final tough negotiations. He also congratulated the Canadian delegation,
including the non-governmental organizations, who participated in Rome and in the
various international meetings to establish the Court. Their drive, commitment
and outstanding work were vital to ensure the positive results achieved.</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Countries participating in the conference will sign the Final Act of the
Conference, the summary document of the negotiation results, in Rome tomorrow.</font></p>
<p align="CENTER"><font face="Courier">- 30 -</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">For further information, media representatives may contact:</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Debora Brown</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1851</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Media Relations Office</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">(613) 995-1874</font></p>
<p><font face="Courier">This document is also available on the Department's Internet site:
http://www.dfait-maeci.gc.ca</font></p>
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