court under the aegis of the United Nations. There was urgent need for an international approach to the prosecution of certain transnational crimes, such as illicit drug trafficking, which presented a grave threat to the integrity of States. Moreover, an international criminal court eliminated the danger of powerful nations extending their jurisdiction beyond their borders in an attempt to bring criminals to justice. Such an international court would in no way violate the principle of sovereignty, since the acquiescence of countries involved in the action of the court was a 36. Other participants were rather sceptical of the idea, in view of the difficulties it had to face. The complexity of the undertaking should not be underestimated, and the initiative needed detailed and careful analysis. There were many questions that required clear answers. Thus, for example, both the substantive definition and the procedure to be used had to be determined. The issue involved highly sensitive political matters that could not be dealt with easily. 37. None the less, other initiatives that were, not too long ago, judged to be similarly utopian and unrealistic, had become realities. Such was the case of the European Court at Strasbourg, which was functioning quite satisfactorily in spite of all the political difficulties that had attended its creation. It would not do to be paralysed by excessive pessimism, particularly at a time when a remarkable relaxation of international tensions was facilitating the implementation of initiatives thought impossible only a few years ago. Consequently, the project necessitated study, reflection and political will. 38. In relation to illicit drug trafficking, some participants thought that, in view of the low rate of ratification to date of the 1988 United Nations Convention against Illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, the 
**Analysis**
The text appears to be discussing an international initiative to combat transnational crimes, specifically illicit drug trafficking, and the establishment of an international criminal court. The tone is diplomatic and focused on the need for international cooperation and the potential challenges and complexities involved. The text does not mention economic development, natural resources, or environmental issues, nor does it touch on agriculture, forestry, fishing, industry, transport, or communication. It does not seem to be related to health, education, employment, humanitarian aid, culture, or science and technology.

**Category**
International trade, Humanitarian aid and relief