Samoa's ambassador to the UN, Tuiloma Neroni Slade, says his appointment as a judge at the new International Criminal Court has reached full circle as he was involved in its establishment.
Tuiloma says he's relieved to have made it through the tough election process.
He was one of 44 candidates vying for the 18 positions and that was narrowed down even futher with six of the positions being allocated to women.
Tuiloma says his appointment is a proud moment not only for his family but also for Samoa and the Pacific region.
"I think it's a good thing for our region as well. Samoa has played a very active, a very important part in the development of this court. I was involved right from the start in the development of this court. To have come through such intense competition from such distinguished and highly qualified people it's quite humbling."
Tuiloma's career has included positions such as Samoa's Attorney General, legal advisor with the Commonwealth Secretariat and Samoa's ambassador to the US.
Tuiloma Neroni Slade will be sworn in during an inaugural ceremony on March the 11th in The Hague.
