Certain Property (Liechtenstein v. Germany) - Fixing of time-limits for the filing of written pleadings

INTERNATIONAL COURTOFJUSTICE
Peace Palace, 2517 KJ The Hague. Tel.(31-70-302 23 23). Cables: Intercourt, The Hague.

Telefax (31-70-364 99 28). Telex 32323.lnternet address: http:Il www.icj-cij.org

Communiqué
unofficial
foim.mediaΠrelease

No. 2001119
29 June 2001

Certain Propertv
(Liechtenstein v. Germany)

Fixing of time-limits for the filing of written pleadings

THE HAGUE, 29 June 2001. The International Court of Justice (ICJ) bas fixed time-limits
for the filing of written pleadings in the case conceming Certain Property (Liechtenstein v.
German y) .

• At a meeting held by the President of the Court with the Parties on 25 June 2001,
Liechtenstein, citing the complexity of the case, stated that it wished to be allowed a period of
between nine and ten months to prepare its MemorialFor its part, Germany indicated that this
proposai was acceptable and that, while reserving the right to raise preliminary objections,

it wished ta have the same time for the preparation of its Counter-Memorial as that accorded to
Liechtenstein.

By an Order of 28 June 2001, and taking account of the agreement of the Parties, the Court
fixed 28 March 2002 as the time-limit for the filing of a Memorial by Liechtenstein and
27 December 2002 as the time-lîmit for the filing of a Counter-Memorial by Germany.

In its Order the Court made it clear that the time-Jimit fixed for the filing of Germany's

Counter-Memorial was subject ta the possible application of Article 79, paragraph 1, of the Rules
of Court, in its version applicable with effect from 1 February 2001.

The subsequent procedure has been reserved for further decision.

Historyof the proceedings

On 1 June 2001 Liechtenstein instituted proceedings against Germany relating to a dispute
concerning "decisionsof Germany, in and after 1998, to treat certain property of Liechtenstein

nationals as German assets havjng been 'seized for the purposes of reparation or restitution, or as a
result of the state of war' i.e., as a consequence of World War II -,without ensuring any
compensation for the Jossof that property to its owners, and to the detriment of Liechtenstein
itself'.

In its Application, Liechtenstein requests the Court "ta adjudge and declare that Germany
has incurred international legal responsibility and is bound to make appropriate reparation to
Liechtenstein for the damage and prejudice suffered"Liechtenstein further requests "that the
nature and amount of such reparation should, in the absence of agreement between the parties, be

assessed and determined by the Court, ifnecessary, in a separate phase ofthe proceedings".

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As a basis for the Court's jurisdiction, Liechtensteiq invokes Article l of the European
Convention for the Peaceful Settlementtes, signed at!Strasbourg on 29 April 1957.

The full text the Court's Order will shortly be available on the Court's website at the
following address:p://www.icj-cij.org

Information Department:
Mrs. Laurence Blairon, Information (+31 70 302 23 37)3 36)
Email address: information @icj-cij.org '
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