LIECHTENSTEIN Independent Commission of Historians In May 2001, the government of Liechtenstein appointed an independent Historians Commission to examine specific questions concerning Liechtenstein’s role in World War II. The central question under investigation is whether Liechtenstein helped hide and transfer stolen assets. The government also established a separate Advisory and Coordination Committee to advise it on all questions raised with respect to Liechtenstein’s role in World War II, particularly those regarding domestic and foreign policy, public relations, and the consequences of the historians’ work. In order to ensure that the commission could carry out its mandate, the government also enacted a law granting the commission’s historians full access to the documents and archives of public and private organizations from the period in question, including banks, industrial enterprises, trust companies, and law firms. The commission completed its preparatory and organizational phase in early 2002 and is currently in its research phase. The commission is scheduled to report on its findings to the Liechtenstein government by December 2003. Contact: Dr. Peter Geiger, President Bahnhofstrasse 6 Postfach 802 FL-9494 Schaan Principality of Liechtenstein Telephone: +423 265 50 50 Fax: +423 265 50 51 E-mail: historikerkommission@uhk.li Liechtenstein Sues Germany before the International Court of Justice On June 1, 2001, Liechtenstein instituted proceedings before the International Court of Justice against Germany concerning decisions of Germany to treat property belonging to Liechtenstein nationals as German assets seized for purposes of reparation as a consequence of World War II. Liechtenstein’s application requested the Court to declare that Germany has incurred international legal responsibility and must make appropriate reparation to Liechtenstein for the damage suffered. Such reparation will be determined in a separate phase of the proceedings if the parties do not reach an agreement.