In the letter informing the UN Secretary General of Judge Deschenes's departure, Cassese writes that the Canadian “has been an excellent judge, always showing the highest judicial skills, impartiality and integrity,” and that because of all this Judge Deschenes “will be sorely missed.”

Sources at the Tribunal have announced that Cassese has embarked on a replacement procedure, and that the UN Secretary General will nominate the new judge, in consultation with the Presidents of the Security Council and the General Assembly.