International Organizations

 

Introduction

 

            The United Nations Security Council, in Resolution 1441 (November 8, 2002), unanimously deplored Iraq's lack of compliance with Resolution 687 (1991) on inspection, disarmament and renunciation of terrorism in Iraq, and went on to make several decisions under Chapter VII of the U.N. Charter. Resolution 687, like Resolution 1441, was adopted under Chapter VII.  Chapter VII gives the Council the authority to determine the existence of a threat to the peace, breach of the peace or act of aggression, and to take action accordingly. 

 

According to news reports, President Bush and his advisors are developing a new national security strategy based on pre-emptive action against terrorist groups and states that are trying to develop weapons of mass destruction.  It has been reported that the new policy reserves the right to act even if the threat is not judged to be imminent.  The pre-emptive action would not necessarily involve armed force, but that option is not ruled out.

 

On April 11, 2002, ten countries simultaneously deposited instruments of ratification to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, bringing the total number of States Parties to 66. [1] th ratification, which, pursuant to article 126 of the Treaty, will cause the Statute to enter into force on July 1, 2002. A special ceremony was held at the United Nations to mark the occasion of the 60

 

The capture of Saddam Hussein on December 14, 2003, has prompted wide-ranging debate about where and how he should be tried.  While potential venues for prosecution range across a broad spectrum, it seems likely that Hussein will be tried before a court in Iraq operating with some form of international assistance.

 

On November 10, 2003 the World Trade Organization Appellate Body issued its report in the complaint brought by Brazil, China, the European Communities, Japan, Korea, New Zealand, Norway, and Switzerland against the US imposition of safeguard measures on certain steel products. [1] The Appellate Body upheld a prior Panel ruling that the US measures were inconsistent with the WTO Safeguards Agreement and GATT 1994. [2] Consequently the Appellate Body recommended that the WTO Dispute Settlement Body request the US to bring its measures into conformity. [3] [4]