On the picture, Dr. Riad Al-Malki, Palestinian Foreign Minister.
By Roy Lie A Tjam.
Special Public Lecture by Foreign Minister of the Palestinian Authority, Dr. Riad Al-Malki at the International Institute of Social Studies. The Hague 31 March 2015.
On January 2 2015, Palestine formally deposited its instrument of accession to the International Criminal Court in The Hague. Former ICC chief prosecutor Mr. Luis Ocampo had rejected Palestine’s request. Conversely, prosecutor Ms. Fatou Bensouda made it clear that due to change in the status by the UN, Palestine could now join the Rome Statute.
”It is very auspicious to see the ICC taking interest in the crimes committed against Palestine. Will Palestine joining the ICC put an end to impunity of the perpetrators? Will justice be done?” . On 1 April 2015, the ICC has held a ceremony to formally recognize Palestine’s membership. In a special Public Lecture at the ISS, Minister Al-Malki discussed the implications of Palestine joining the ICC and the consequences of Israel’s election of March 15, 2015.
Prof. Dr. Leo de Haan (ISS) introduced Dr. Riad Al-Malki. Prof. Dr. de Haan remarked, ISS’ focus is on rendering a platform for justice, conflicts and equity.
Dr. Al-Malki delivered his lecture in a very poised way, befitting a Foreign Minister. His presentation was accessible to many, not academically was requested. He related to various aspects of the 48 years of Israeli occupation of Palestine.
Palestine will become the 123rd ICC member on 1 April 2015. Palestine, according to Dr. Al-Malki, will be pursuing justice, not vengeance. This will ultimately result in justice being done.
Palestinian people are aspiring to live a dignified life. Palestine sincerely hopes ICC will support that aspiration. Dr Al Malki noted that bilateral negotiations have achieved very little since Oslo 1993. The expectation was that by 1999 an agreement would have been reached. However, shortly before 1999, Palestine was made to understand, even warned, no Palestinian state would be forthcoming. Such a statement is tantamount to deceit. 1999 has proofed to be a farce. Palestinian transitional status has actually become permanent.
What has been achieved is an increase in the number of Jewish settlements. Dr. Al-Malki would like to see the way in which negotiations are conducted, changed to a more organized manner. Terms of reference should be defined; a timetable and aim of negotiations should be clear, as well as the end result. Furthermore, a date, be it 2017, 2018 or even 2099. A date has to be set.
The presence of a third party at the negotiating table is imperative! Could be anyone, USA, or even some extraterrestrial entity. Dr Al-Mal reiterated, 48 years of occupation and impunity, it is time for it to end.
