The Work of the International Law Commission the Law of Treaties

May I start by saying what an honour and a pleasure it is to have this opportunity to speak to your distinguished Institute about the work of the International Law Commission and particularly the law of treaties. It equally gives me a sense of-honour and pleasure to share this occasion with my distinghuished colleague, Professor Tammes. Happily, his views and mine do not always coincide so I hope that our introductory speeches will provoke a lively and interesting discussion.