Chronology The Principality of Liechtenstein is proud of its long history as a state whose sovereignty and neutrality have never been disputed. In order to understand the reasons behind the action being brought before the International Court of Justice, due consideration must be given, inter alia, to the events described below. 2005 Decision on the admissibility of the action 2004 Oral hearing on admissibility of the case In June 2004, the Court in The Hague tried the case on its admissibility. 11/2002 Liechtenstein submits "Observations" to ICJ The Principality of Liechtenstein responds to the Federal Republic of Germany's arguments on November 15, 2002 by submitting a written statement, the so-called "Observations". This marks the conclusion of the written proceedings relating to the admissibility of the case. 7/2002 Period granted for a written response to the objections to the admissibility of the action The International Court of Justice (ICJ) rules that the Principality of Liechtenstein has until November 15, 2002 to respond in written form to the Federal Republic of Germany's objections. 6/2002 The Federal Republic of Germany raises objections to the admissibility of the action In June 2002, the Federal Republic of Germany raises objections to the admissibility of the action: the so-called "Preliminary Objections". 2002 Liechtenstein submits the grounds for its application On 27 March 2002 Liechtenstein submits the grounds for its application against the Federal Republic of Germany based on continued infringement of international law, to the International Court of Justice in The Hague. 2001 Application filed with the International Court of Justice On 1 June 2001 the Principality of Liechtenstein files an application against the Federal Republic of Germany with the International Court of Justice in The Hague, charging Germany with having violated international law. 2001 Government's decision to file an application On 23 January 2001 the Government of Liechtenstein passes a resolution to file an application with the International Court of Justice. 1998-2000 Diplomatic consultations Two years of diplomatic consultations between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Principality of Liechtenstein fail to produce any satisfactory results. Germany rejects all liability under international law and refuses to compensate Liechtenstein for losses to property and assets which have been incurred. Mid-1990s Shift in the German position Up until the mid-1990s, the Federal Republic of Germany and the Principality of Liechtenstein were in agreement that the reparation provisions contained in the Settlement Convention of 1955 did not apply to Liechtenstein-owned property and assets. However, as a consequence of the decision reached by the German Federal Constitutional Court on 28 January 1998, Liechtenstein-owned property and assets on the territory of the former Czechoslovakia are to be treated as German-owned assets outside Germany which had been seized for the discharge of war-related debts. Since the mid-1990s, the German courts and the Federal Government have taken the view that the State of Liechtenstein and its citizens are part of the German nation. 1997 German-Czech Agreement The German-Czech Agreement on mutual relations between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Czech and Slovak Republics is signed with a view to promoting close collaboration and friendly relations. 1996 Expert opinion by Prof. Dr. Dieter Blumenwitz In an expert opinion submitted to the Superior Regional Court in Cologne, Prof. Dr. Dieter Blumenwitz of Würzburg University, a specialist in international law, determines that the expropriation of Liechtenstein-owned property and assets without compensation not only contravenes German public order but also constitutes a blatant disregard of the sovereignty of Liechtenstein. 1990 Membership of the United Nations The Principality of Liechtenstein becomes the 160th member state of the United Nations on 18 September 1990. 1980 European Convention for the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes The European Convention for the Peaceful Settlement of Disputes, dating from 1957 and which both Germany and Liechtenstein had signed, comes into force between the two states on 18 February 1980. This relationship thus falls within the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice. 1955 Settlement Convention Under the terms of the settlement convention signed with France, the United Kingdom and the United States in 1955. Germany undertakes to compensate the persons affected by the expropriation measures. 1945 Beneš Decrees The Beneš Decrees form the basis for the expropriation - without compensation - of private and public property and assets of German residents in Czechoslovakia. As a result of the Decrees, the entire property and assets are placed under the administration of the then ruling powers; this includes Liechtenstein-owned property and assets. 1938-1945 Liechtenstein's neutrality As in the First World War, Liechtenstein's neutrality is recognized. 1938 Munich Agreement The Munich Agreement of 29 September 1938 between the German Reich, the United Kingdom, Italy and France stipulates that Czechoslovakia must cede to the German Reich those areas of the Sudetenland in which the German population is in the majority. Liechtenstein never recognized the Munich Agreement. 1806 Liechtenstein's sovereignty With the end of Holy Roman Empire and the subsequent accession to the Confederation of the Rhine, Liechtenstein becomes a sovereign state.