Closing session [George W. Vella]

Abstract

Excellencies, Distinguished Participants, Ladies and Gentlemen, For these last two days the maxim 'peace through justice' has been echoed throughout this Conference by each and every speaker. Indeed, in a tranquil and relaxed atmosphere, all those that have participated in this important dialogue, have been able to discuss and deliberate as well as exchange views and experiences that will contribute, in a structured and clear manner, towards the process started nearly fifty years ago when the United Nations General Assembly asked the International Law Commission to establish a permanent international criminal court. I have been told that the discussions that have been held, the presentations, and the various interventions, have all been of a very high level, and that one could sense that there was a lot of preparation judging by the quality and high level of the presented material and of the debate. Above all I understand that the debate was frank, open and spontaneous, containing many new and fresh ideas on the subject of this conference. [excerpt]