Statement on behalf of the European Union by Ms Aleška Simkić, Deputy Permanent Representative of Slovenia to the United Nations
Please check against delivery
Mr Chairman,
I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union.
The Candidate Countries Turkey, Croatia* and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia*, the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Serbia, as well as Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Armenia and Georgia align themselves with this declaration.
Mr Chairman,
The European Union would like to thankMs. Sandra Haji-Ahmed,Officer in charge of the Office of the Human Resources Management for the presentation of the report of the Secretary General, as well as Ms. Susan McLurg, Chairperson of the ACABQ, for her presentation of its report.
At the outset, the European Union would like to reaffirm its unreserved support for the judges and all personnel of the International Court of Justice and the international tribunals and their responsible and important work. The ICJ and the tribunals have contributed to maintaining international peace and security and play a key role in applying, interpreting and developing public international law.
Mr. Chairman,
During the 61st session the General Assembly adopted resolution 61/262 by consensus with a view to make the system of conditions of service and compensation for members of the ICJ and judges and ad litem judges of the ITY and ICTR clearer and more transparent. The new system is linked to the system applied for Secretariat officials, while recognizing the special character of the judges of the ICJ as elected members of one of the principle organs of the United Nations. The European Union and others made every effort to ensure that this new system not only fulfilled the objective to harmonize and simplify organizational procedures, but also did not have a negative impact on any serving judge.
The European Union notes the concerns of the ICJ that the remuneration system set out in resolution 61/262 was not in conformity with the principle of equality of all judges.
The European Union reiterates its support for the invaluable work of the ICJ. We stand ready to examine the proposals of the Secretary-General bearing in mind the concerns of the ICJ. We lookforward to working constructively with all partners in the course of informal consultations to find a solution acceptable to all parties.
Thank you, Mr. Chairman.
*Croatia and the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia continue to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.
