Originally from Dispute Resolution Journal

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen, Distinguished Guests:

We meet this morning in an historic chamber, in a great building devoted to the eternal search for International peace and the rule of law.

At the outset, it is my privilege to greet the Judges of the International Court of Justice who honor us by their presence. We are your newest neighbors in this Peace Palace. I also greet the President of the European Court of Human Rights. Each of us will, I am sure, strive to live up to the high standards of legal excellence which each of you and your Courts exemplify.

It is also my privilege to greet here the distinguished representatives of the Government of The Netherlands— particularly of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Justice. Your kindness and cooperation, in a number of ways, make it possible for this Tribunal to have its seat in the Hague.