Statement
by
Mr. Donillo Anwar
Representative of Indonesia
Before the Plenary
On Item 22:
Cooperation between the United Nations and the Asian-African
Legal Consultative Committee

New York, 25 October 2000

Mr. President,

At the outset, my delegation would like to express its appreciation to the Secretary-General for this report on "Cooperation between the United Nations and the Asian-African Legal Consultative Committee" contained in document A/55/221.

More than four decades ago, Mr. President, the Asian African nations established the Asian African Legal Consultative Committee, an outcome of the historic Bandung Conference, to serve as an advisory body to its member States in the field of international law and as a forum for Asian-African cooperation in legal matters of common concern. Since its inception, its endeavors have surpassed our expectations. Apart from undertaking a number of significant studies in international law, it has served member States effectively by providing a forum for the exchange of views as well as harmonizing the views and positions of the Asian and African countries on various aspects in the codification and development of international law. All this bodes well for the establishment of a world order based on justice and equity for all nations.

One of the main objectives of the AALCC is to enhance the progressive development of international law while forging close links between itself and the United Nations. This common goal was attained in 1980 when the AALCC was accorded Permanent Observer status laying the foundations for a flourishing cooperation between the two bodies.  In this regard, it is pertinent to note that the Consultative Committee has accorded close attention to the items on the agenda of the Sixth Committee from the perspective of the developing countries.

This cooperative framework has achieved considerable success. Close consultation in matters concerning international law has now expanded to the fields of economic, environmental and humanitarian law as well as the peaceful settlement of disputes. During the past two years, the AALCC has participated in a number of important meetings and conferences which have included amongst others, sessions of UNCITRAL, the Preparatory Commission for the International Criminal Court, the first International Peace Conference at the Hague, UNEP and the International Law Commission. Also, it is most relevant that another item has been placed on its agenda, namely the extraterritorial application of national legislation: sanctions imposed against third parties.

Ever since the preparation of a study on "Strengthening the role of the United Nations through the rationalization of its functional modalities with special reference to the General Assembly" in 1985, the AALCC has undertaken a number of initiatives to strengthen the role of the United Nations by promoting its activities among its member States. Similarly, there can be no doubt of its tireless efforts in contributing to the success of the UN Decade of International Law.

It is also important to focus attention on its endeavors to render assistance to its member States with a view to facilitating their active participation in the meetings of the Sixth Committee. In this regard, it is pertinent to note AALCC’s  work on the topic "Jurisdictional immunities of States and their properties" at its thirty-ninth session. Furthermore, the assistance of the AALCC in ascertaining the feasibility of compiling national legislation, jurisprudence and practices of member States is a worthy endeavor.

Over the years, my delegation has acknowledged with appreciation the close monitoring of the work and functioning of the International Tribunal of the Law of the Sea, the International Seabed Authority as well as the other related organs by the AALCC. As alluded to in the report of the Secretary-General, with the growing number of maritime delimitation cases being brought before the International Court of Justice and the International Tribunal of the law of the Sea, the study of the law of the sea should be a priority for the AALCC member States.

As a developing country, Indonesia appreciates the work of the AALCC on economic cooperation for development. My delegation is therefore gratified that the AALCC organized, with financial and technical assistance a one day special meeting on "Electronic commerce: Legal issues and its Impact on Developing countries". In my delegation’s view this is an item of particular importance in an electronic age of e-commerce, intellectual property and complex issues relating to contractual obligations.

Finally, Mr. President, my delegation deems it a distinct pleasure to co-sponsor the resolution on the item before us and hope that member states will lend its unanimous support to it.

Thank you, Mr. President.