As to the background of the case
In June 2001, Liechtenstein filed a suit against Germany before the ICJ. Since the mid-1990s, the Federal Republic of Germany has treated Liechtenstein property that had been confiscated by former Czechoslovakia as German external assets, which can be used by Germany to pay it's reparation debts. Germany hereby disregards Liechtenstein's sovereignty and neutrality and violates property rights of Liechtenstein citizens. Now the ICJ is called upon to declare in its capacity as the principal judicial organ of the United Nations that Germany is violating rules of international law and shall be liable to pay compensation for the losses incurred.

Germany has raised objections against the admissibility of the lawsuit, and Liechtenstein in turn responded thereto in the written statement presented to the Court today. The Court will now consider the arguments advanced by both parties and then hold an oral hearing in which it will finally determine the issue of whether Liechtenstein's application is admissible. "We expect this to happen in the first half of 2003," says Dr. Alexander Goepfert, Special Commissioner and Agent of the Principality of Liechtenstein for the case brought before the ICJ.

Brief outline of the chronology of the case

June 2001:
Liechtenstein files an application against Germany for continuous violation of international law.

March 2002:
Liechtenstein submits the so-called "Memorial", setting forth in writing the grounds of its application.

June 2002:
Germany raises objections against the admissibility of the case (so-called "Preliminary Objections").

November 2002:
Liechtenstein responds to Germany's arguments by means of a written statement (so-called "Observations").

Anticipated for the first half of 2003:
The ICJ will decide on the admissibility of the case in an oral hearing.

The Hague/Vaduz, 15 November 2002

For further information see under /www.liechtenstein-icj-case.li

Note for the editor:
In case of any queries or for further information, please contact:

Special Commissioner and Agent
for the Principality of Liechtenstein
Dr. Alexander Goepfert
- Press Office -