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The Principality of Liechtenstein nominates well-known British diplomat and international lawyer as its ad hoc judge in its case against Germany in the International Court of Justice | ||
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Vaduz/The Hague/London, 20 March 2003. Liechtenstein has appointed a new ad hoc judge for its case against Germany before the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in The Hague. He is the renowned British expert in international law, Professor Sir Franklin Berman. The Principality has brought the case to the Court on the grounds that the Federal Republic of Germany has treated Liechtenstein property in former Czechoslovakia as if it were German foreign property and used that property in settlement of its war debts. The Principality considers this to be a violation of its sovereignty and of the property rights of its citizens and has therefore asked the International Court of Justice to declare that the Federal Republic of Germany is responsible for such acts under international law. When appointing Sir Frank, the Principality of Liechtenstein made use of its right to appoint a so-called "ad hoc judge". Countries which are parties to an action before the ICJ have the right to appoint an ad hoc judge if none of the judges hearing the case is a national of that country. With respect to all decisions to be made by the Court during the proceedings, an ad hoc judge ranks equal to all the other judges. Professor Sir Franklin Berman is a specialist in international law with international experience and a profound expert knowledge. He has conducted numerous cases before the International Court of Justice and a wide range of arbitratral tribunals. He participated in the Lockerbie bombing trials as the Agent of the United Kingdom. Furthermore, he represented the United Kingdom in a multitude of international negotiations. For instance, he was the head of the British delegation involved in drafting the Statute for the International Criminal Court recently inaugurated in the Netherlands. Sir Frank commenced his career in 1965 in the Diplomatic Service of the United Kingdom. In 1966, he was called to the Bar of England and Wales, and he was appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1992. From 1991 to 1999, he acted as chief legal adviser to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. Sir Frank is a member of many international committees concerned with the administration of justice, for example as chairman of the Austrian National Compensation Committee for Victims of Nazi Persecution. Sir Frank’s research interests focus on the law of treaties, international human rights and the law of international organisations. Sir Frank teaches as a visiting professor for international law at Oxford University, University of Cape Town (South Africa) and King’s College in London.
Note for the editor:
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