Minister Nkoana-Mashabane congratulates Judge Hoffmann on his appointment as Vice President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea

International Relations and Cooperation Minister Maite Nkoana-Mashabane has welcomed Judge Albert J. Hoffmann’s appointment as Vice-President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea by members of the Tribunal for the period 2011–2014.

Judge Hoffmann has been a Member of the Tribunal since 2005 and replaces Judge Helmut Tuerk. The Vice-President is elected for a period of three years and assumes the functions of the President in the event of a vacancy in the presidency or of the inability of the President to exercise the functions of the presidency. The newly elected President of the Tribunal, Judge Yanai, conducted the election.

Minister Nkoana-Mashabane said: “On behalf of the government of the Republic of South Africa, I would like to congratulate Judge Hoffmann on his appointment as Vice-President of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea.”

The Minister added: “Judge Hoffmann brings to the Tribunal vast knowledge and experience of international law and, in particular, experience as a member of the Tribunal.”

A detailed profile of Judge Hoffmann can be found on the website of the Tribunal: http://www.itlos.org.

For further information please contact Mr. Clayson Monyela, spokesperson for DIRCO, on 082 884 5974

ISSUED BY THE DEPARTMENT OF INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS AND COOPERATION

OR Tambo Building
460 Soutpansberg Road
Rietondale
Pretoria

11 October 2011