The decree was signed earlier this week.
Since declaring independence from the Soviet Union in 1990, Lithuania has not made a statement on recognition of the jurisdiction of the International Court of Justice. Up until now, Lithuania could decide on participation in hearings of the Hague-based court.
If the law is approved, claims against Lithuania would be heard automatically.
UN member-states recognize the court's jurisdiction to different extents – in a broader and narrower sense. They can envisage certain additional provisions.
By adopting the law, Lithuania would recognize the court's competence to hear all legal disputes with a country that has the same commitment on interpretation of international treaties, any issue of international law, any fact that, if investigated, would be listed as a violation of international obligations or size of reparations for violation of international commitments.
The draft provides for a few exceptions, including one that would not allow hearing a dispute in connection to a NATO military operation – it stipulates an exception for disputes "in connection to or that may arise due to military operation that is carried out pursuant to consensus or unanimous decision of an international security or defense organization or an organization performing general security and defense policies, which the Republic of Lithuania is a member of."
Up until now, the court has heard about 130 cases.
