El Salvador to Host Historic Edition of 2020 ISA World Surfing Games

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El Salvador to Host Historic Edition of 2020 ISA World Surfing Games

By H.E. Mr. AgustĂ­n Vásquez GĂłmez, Ambassador of El Salvador to the Netherlands.

The International Surfing Association (ISA) announced by mid January 2020 that El Salvador has been chosen as host of the 2020 ISA World Surfing Games, to take place on May 9 – 17 of this year. Twelve Olympic Qualifiers will be determined, making 2020 a historic edition of the event.

ISA President Fernando Aguerre said, “The ISA World Surfing Games will bring an unprecedented level of global attention to the country and the nearly unlimited world-class resource that is its year-round waves.

Olympic dreams will be fulfilled, creating a highly anticipated level of world-class surfing, camaraderie, and excitement…. We look forward to building momentum towards Tokyo 2020, displaying the youthful, high-performance values of our sport that will contribute to the great success of the Games.”

The historic edition of 2020 ISA World Surfing Games are one of the jewels of the crown within “Surf City El Salvador” that is a leading initiative that President of El Salvador Nayib Bukele set at the beginning of his mandate in June 2019, as one of the main anchors to promote tourism, development and public works, along with connectivity and security, everything within an ideal environment, as part of an integral approach to change radically the social and economic conditions of the country and its offer to the world.

The objective of the initiative is to position El Salvador as one of the main tourist destinations of the surf sport and industry internationally. Due to the privileged location in the heart of the Americas, Salvadoran beaches are among the top ten in the world for practicing surfing. 

Sun set at Surf City, El Salvador.

Some of the potentialities that Salvadoran beaches offers are the quality of the waves, the water temperature, tropical climate, proximity to many more tourist destinations with a variety of gastronomy, no sharks and friendly and helpful people. 

President Nayib Bukele expressed his pride that El Salvador “will always be remembered and associated with the historic recognition of surf as an Olympic sport”, adding that this event “will be the window to show the world-class waves and destination that Surf City El Salvador offers. El Salvador is open and ready to embrace new ideas, challenges and innovation. This Olympic qualifying event is a milestone for Surf City El Salvador and we are certain it will contribute to the consolidation of our beautiful country as a premier destination for surfing.”

Surf City is one of El Salvador’s efforts that seek to strengthen sports and cultural diplomacy as instruments of international cohesion, as well as generator of opportunities for a Nation that has historically been linked to social and political phenomena that were not attractive to be considered as a tourist destination. 

Now El Salvador is a place to discover and enjoy, and together with the recognition of International Authorities such as ISA, as Ambassador of El Salvador in the Netherlands, I invite European surfers and particularly the Dutch, to dare to enjoy some of the best waves in the world and the unbeatable warmth of our people.

China receives the new Dutch measures on telecommunication safety and integrity

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China receives the new Dutch measures on telecommunication safety and integrity

In the picture His Excellency Dr. Xu Hong, Ambassador of China to The Netherlands.

The Dutch government has recently issued an administrative order on Safety and Integrity of Telecommunications. Speaking to the press, China’s Ambassador to the Netherlands rejected speculations claiming that the order would negatively affect Chinese companies like Huawei.

The Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate has recently issued an administrative order concerning the Safety and Integrity of Telecommunications. The order stipulates that “critical parts” of the Dutch telecommunications network must be provided by so-called “trusted suppliers” – a limitation that would kick out of the game providers suspected of being engaged in espionage activities, either directly or through ties with third-party agencies. 

The implications of this order could be rather significant – especially in the framework of the debate around Huawei’s role in building the new 5G infrastructure in Europe and beyond. Over the last months, the United States have conducted a diplomatic campaign – led by State Department’s Robert Strayer – aimed at establishing strict regulations on the supply of parts used to build 5G infrastructure. While the US has officially stated that such regulations should not target any specific country, the campaign is widely seen as an effort to curb the role of the powerful Chinese multinational Huawei in the provision of 5G equipment.

In a press conference with Chinese and Dutch journalists, China’s Ambassador to the Netherlands, Dr. Xu Hong, sought to explain how the new administrative order issued by the Dutch government would not target Chinese companies. In a thinly veiled reference to the US diplomatic campaign, the Ambassador accused those lobbying against Chinese companies of failing to provide “any solid evidence”, as well as of working against the spirit of law and fair competition.

Chinese ambassador with colleagues during the press meeting.

Those who fear China’s espionage – Dr. Xu Hong said – generally misread China’s National Intelligence Law. The law’s Article 7 stipulates that “any Chinese organization or citizen should support, assist and cooperate with state intelligence work in accordance with Chinese law” – the Ambassador clarified, stressing that the article should be read in the context of the entire Chinese legal system, rather than in standalone mode. Such laws, the Ambassador argued, are present in other countries too, including the Netherlands. 

To the contrary, he stressed, China is less invasive than other countries when it comes to collecting information overseas. “Unlike a few countries using long-arm jurisdiction, China is cautious on applying extraterritorial jurisdiction” – the Ambassador noted, highlighting how other countries, such as the United States and Australia, employ laws requiring companies “to provide the government or intelligence agencies with trans-border access to communications data”. “China opposes to such practice” – the Ambassador stressed, also underscoring his country’s opposition to “the use of cyber facilities for espionage” more at large. 

Seeking to reassure those who may still be worried, the Chinese Ambassador underscored the willingness expressed by Chinese companies such as Huawei to take preventive approaches in order to mitigate risks. Dr. Xu Hong praised the positive performance of Huawei during the strict scrutiny undergone recently, as well as its willingness to accept further third-party tests and supervisions with a “frank and open attitude”. 

In light of these observation, Ambassador Xu Hong voiced his country’s expectations on the implementation of the Dutch administrative order. “We hope that the Netherlands will make assessments on an objective and fair basis, and provide a fair, just and non-discriminative environment for the normal investment and business between enterprises”.

ICC hosts The Hague Judicial Club Colloquium 2019

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ICC hosts The Hague Judicial Club Colloquium 2019

On 27 November 2019, the International Criminal Court (ICC) hosted The Hague Judicial Club Colloquium 2019 on the theme “International Law and Contemporary Challenges – 75 Years after WWII”. The colloquium gathered Judges and Registrars of the ICC, the Supreme Court of the Netherlands (Hoge Raad der Nederlanden), the International Court of Justice, the Iran-United States Claims Tribunal, the Kosovo Specialist Chambers, the Permanent Court of Arbitration, the Residual Special Court for Sierra Leone and the Special Tribunal for Lebanon. 

“By many accounts, the institution-based multilateral international system of international law that we have today started taking shape after the end of WWII”, said ICC President Judge Chile Eboe-Osuji opening the event. “As that system is under acute pressure, which is also felt in our courts and tribunals, it is meaningful for us to discuss our similar challenges with one another”, he added.

In addition to the ICC President, speakers included the President of the Special Tribunal for Lebanon, Judge Ivana HrdliÄŤková, Judge AntĂ´nio Augusto Cançado Trindade of the International Court of Justice, and ICC Judge Raul Pangalangan. The First Vice-President of the ICC, Judge Robert Fremr, gave closing remarks.

The event was co-sponsored by the Municipality of The Hague. Speaking of the judicial club, Deputy Mayor of The Hague Saskia Bruines said: “It is encouraging to see The Hague’s international courts and tribunals take the initiative to come together”. “These gatherings stimulate the sharing of knowledge, contacts, and experiences that help lead to further improvements in the field of peace and justice. The Municipality of The Hague will continue to stay actively involved in future editions!”, she added.

The Hague Judicial Club strives to bring together Judges and Registrars of international courts based in The Hague as well as the Supreme Court of the Netherlands to offer opportunities for networking and exchange of ideas at the highest level.  

International conference: The Children Trains and Beyond

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International conference: The Children Trains and Beyond

Thursday 6 & Friday 7 February
The Neo-Calvinism Research Institute (Theological University Kampen), Broederweg 15, Kampen

On 6 and 7 February, the Neo-Calvinism Research Institute and the Department of Dutch Studies of the Eötvös Loránd University Budapest (ELTE) organize, with support from the Embassy of Hungary in The Hague, the conference “The children trains and beyond – Cultural, religious and political contacts between Hungary and the Low Countries in the Interwar Period”.

During the interwar period intensive cultural, religious, political and personal contacts existed between Hungary, the Netherlands and Belgium. Many of these contacts can be traced back to humanitarian actions after the First World War, especially the so-called children trains. The conference is a centenary commemoration where recent research results on this theme will be presented and personal experiences can be shared. Registration is now opened.

Czech Republic Contributes to OPCW

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Czech Republic Contributes to OPCW

Czech Republic Contributes CZK 500,000 to Future OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology

In the picture, the Permanent Representative of Czech Republic to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Ms. Kateřina Sequensová and OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias.

The Hague, Netherlands —06 December 2019 — The Government of the Czech Republic has contributed CZK 500,000 to a special Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Trust Fund to support the project to upgrade the current OPCW Laboratory and Equipment Store. This project will result in the construction of a new facility, the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology (“ChemTech Centre”).

The contribution was formalised during a ceremony at the OPCW Headquarters between OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, and the Permanent Representative of Czech Republic to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Kateřina Sequensová.

The Permanent Representative of Czech Republic to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Kateřina Sequensová and OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias during the ceremony.

The Director-General expressed: “I thank the Government of the Czech Republic for this major contribution to the new OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology that will further build the capabilities of our Member States to achieve a world free of chemical weapons.”

Ambassador Sequensová remarked: “The Czech Republic is a staunch supporter of the OPCW and its indispensable work towards a world free of chemical weapons. We are, therefore, very pleased to be able to contribute to the ChemTech Centre project which is crucial for ensuring that the OPCW has the capability to keep pace with the latest developments in science and technology and new chemical weapons threats.’’

Director-General Arias appealed to all OPCW States Parties in a position to make voluntary contributions to do so. He further emphasised the important role the new ChemTech Centre will play in strengthening the OPCW’s ability to address chemical weapon threats, boost its investigative capability, and enhance capacity building activities. He highlighted that “all contributions, regardless of size, are greatly appreciated”.

So far, twenty-five States Parties and the European Union have contributed or pledged to contribute financially to the project, and a considerable amount has been raised to date.

Uzbekistan, Saylov 2019 – Election Day 2019

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Uzbekistan, Saylov 2019 – Election Day 2019

Uzbekistan, 22 December 2019. A bright winter’s day and the long awaited 2019 parliamentary and local council elections finally happened. The country is now at the brink of a new era, a New Uzbekistan, New Elections.

Uzbekistan renaissance!  The country has developed a new election code, building on the experience of more than 50 countries. The electoral process benefitted greatly on the recommendations of the missions of international election observation organizations. These include the OSCE/ODIHR, SCO, CIS, the World Association of Electoral Bodies, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, proposals of the Venice Commission, as well as international electoral principles and standards.

Furthermore, consultations were held with political parties and representatives of self-government bodies. These entities were given the opportunity to observe the elections, thereby enhancing transparency and public accountability of the electoral process.

Emptying of the ballot box – Uzbekistan Parliamentarian and Local Council Elections at Uzbekistan State University of World Languages’ polling station. December 22, 2019.

The following parties were eligible to participate in the 2019 elections:  

  • The Movement of Entrepreneurs and Business People
  • Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan (UzLiDeP),
  • Democratic Party Milliy Tiklanish (National Revival),
  • Social Democratic Party Adolat (Justice),
  • People’s Democratic Party (PDPU) and Ecological Party of Uzbekistan.

They were contesting the 150 seats in the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis of the Republic of Uzbekistan (the lower house of the parliament). Out of the 150 seats, the Electoral Code establishes a 30 % quota for women. The Senate will then be formed following the elections for the legislative chamber.

Uzbek family after voting

A call center was established at the Central Election Commission (CEC) international press center where one could get answers to any questions pertaining to the election. This initiative served to make the elections open and transparent. A Danish MP, Diplomat Magazine and representatives of media houses from Germany, Russia and Pakistan among others, were also in the country to observe the election procedures.

Congratulations to the National TV & Radio Company of Uzbekistan for coordinating and accompanying members of the foreign media.

Election day and the hours leading up to that epic moment. On Friday 20 December a televised  â€śDemokratik Debate” took place at the Yuksalish Discussion Club which was packed to capacity. Mr. Amir Khan of NYE TV, a well-known TV personality served as moderator of the debate.  

Leaders of all the five parties participated in the debate. Each was given a two minutes elevator pitch to promulgate his party. A lively Q&A session followed and there were questions coming in from callers within the region, Italy and from the USA.

Election Day 2019 – Saylov 2019

Our delegation visited polling stations in Tashkent, the greater Tashkent region and beyond.

The hours of voting in Uzbekistan was from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. The National Anthem of Uzbekistan was played at the outset. This apparently, is quite a unique feature which does not commonly occur in other elections globally.

It was only after a thorough verification of the voters’ data in the unified electronic voter list (EESI), which currently includes 20.5 million citizens of Uzbekistan, a voter was furnished with the necessary 3 ballot papers.

The first polling station visited was No. 645, located in the impressive main hall of the Conservatory in the Shayhontohur district. The Presiding Officer was Mr. Mirpayorov Bahodir Olmovich.

We went to another polling station, the National Social Newspapers building in Nurafshon city where we were cordially received by the chairman, Mr. Tursunboyev Olim Samadovich.

The following polling station was a Youth Center, polling station no.172. The Presiding officer was the friendly Madam Marziya Egamberdiyeva.

We next visited Polling station no. 170 where we were again warmly welcomed by Presiding officer Ms. Khasanova Muhabbat, his team and a group of keen observers.

Presiding officer Mr. Bozorov Ixtigor providing instructions.

The last polling station to be visited and where we attended the 8:00 p.m. closing and counting of the casted ballots, was the prestigious Uzbekistan State University of World Languages.

The Presiding officer was Mr. Bozorov Ixtiyor. Mr. Ixtiyor shared with us that 1,572 individuals had voted at this station. He further mentioned that contrary to other polling stations, he did not the play the recorded national anthem but he and his team gave a vocal rendition of the national anthem.

Tashkent City, 24 December 2019, the preliminary results of the elections to the Legislative Chamber of the Oliy Majlis, were announced by the Chairman of the Central Election Commission, Mr. Mirzo-Ulugbek Abdusalomov. 

Manual counting of the ballot papers is in progress – Uzbekistan Parliamentarian and Local Council Elections.

The results are as follows: –

  • The Liberal Democratic Party of Uzbekistan – 43 seats;
  • Milliy Tiklanish Democratic Party – 35 seats;
  • Adolat Social Democratic Party – 21 seats;
  • People’s Democratic Party – 18 seats;
  • Ecological Party – 11 seats.

No candidate was elected in 22 constituencies, due to none of them being able to obtain the required majority of votes. As a result, a run-off vote will be organized in two weeks in the constituencies concerned. The final results will be announced later.

The voters turnout was put at 71.1%. A minimum of 33% of those included in the voter lists is required to validate the results. Voting is not compulsory in Uzbekistan. It is also possible to vote by post.

The overall ambiance of the election day was one of calm and discipline. This serene mood and character, is perhaps befitting that of the hospitable Uzbek nation. The Uzbek electoral process took place smoothly and we have not learned of any anomalies.

Albania Appeal for Support

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Albania Appeal for Support

Since Tuesday, 26 November 2019, Albania is constantly being hit by numerous and intense earthquakes causing ripples of damage and devastation.  

The most powerful earthquake, of magnitude 6.4, hit in at 03:54 AM  the two biggest cities, DurrĂ«s – costal city and Tirana – capital of Albania, as well as surrounding residential areas.  

50 people and counting are found dead, over 700 and counting injured, and thousands are homeless (not yet counted): this is so far, the balance of a day that will be long remembered as the tragedy of November 26, 2019 for Albania. 

At this point, emergency rescue teams are still working to find the survivors. Their work is made more difficult by continuous and frequent aftershocks, hitting with high level magnitudes. On a frequent manner, the ground in Tirana and Durres continues to still vibrate, as civil emergency units, state representatives, volunteers are scrambling to help those in need.

These aftershocks are also causing a new wave of homeless people, as damaged buildings receive aftershocks and become inhabitable. 

The government of Albania is organising provisional shelters in other areas of the country in close cooperation with the citizens and the private sector in Albania. Yet a lot of resources are needed to rebuild their lives. 

In the name of solidarity and assistance at this moment, a direct link is made available for those who wish to donate. The link is https://e-albania.al/donate/

On behalf of the numerous families of the victims and those affected by the earthquakes, the Embassy of Republic of Albania to The Kingdom of The Netherlands kindly asks you to distribute and circulate this Appeal for Support to a broad range of contacts and stakeholders, who can help these families during this very difficult time. 

Fatou Bensouda, issues Report

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Fatou Bensouda, issues Report

The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Fatou Bensouda, issues Report on Preliminary Examination Activities (2019).

The Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (“ICC” or the “Court”), Mrs Fatou Bensouda, published during the first week of the month her annual Report on Preliminary Examination Activities. The report details the preliminary examination activities carried out by the Office of the Prosecutor (“OTP” or “Office”) during the period 1 December 2018 – 30 November 2019, in relation to nine situations under consideration for possible investigation.

During the reporting period, one preliminary examination – the situation in Bangladesh/Myanmar – was completed:  on 4 July 2019, the Office requested authorisation from Pre-Trial Chamber III to proceed with an investigation into the situation concerning the alleged deportation of the Rohingya people from the Republic of the Union of Myanmar (“Myanmar”) to the People’s Republic of Bangladesh (“Bangladesh”). The authorisation to investigate was granted on 14 November 2019 and the preliminary examination was therefore closed.

The Office further appealed the decision by Pre-Trial Chamber II of 12 April 2019, rejecting the request of the Prosecutor to proceed with an investigation of the situation in the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan. Additionally, the Prosecutor filed her reconsideration decision with respect to the referral brought by the Comoros, following the Appeals Chamber’s judgement.

During 2019, the Office has continued its preliminary examinations of the situations in Colombia, Guinea, Iraq/United Kingdom (“UK”), Nigeria, Palestine, the Philippines, and Ukraine, all of which are now at the admissibility stage (complementarity and gravity), and in Venezuela, where the Office has been working to finalise its assessment of subject-matter jurisdiction. 

Additionally, the Office received 795 communications pursuant to article 15 of the Statute. Of these, 617 were found to be manifestly outside the jurisdiction of the Court. Moreover, the Office responded to the senders of communications with respect to four situations that had been subject to further analysis and reached conclusion, summaries of which are included in this year’s report.

The report provides a summary of the status of each situation under preliminary examination, including the Office’s current analyses with regard to issues of jurisdiction and admissibility, as well as the activities carried out by the OTP in 2019 in order to further this work.

In so doing, the Office aims to promote public awareness and transparency regarding its preliminary examination process and related activities.

Portugal Contributes €40,000 to Future OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology

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Portugal Contributes €40,000 to Future OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology

THE HAGUE, Netherlands—11 December 2019 —The Government of Portugal has contributed €40,000 to a special Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Trust Fund to support the project to upgrade the current OPCW Laboratory and Equipment Store. This project will result in the construction of a new facility, the OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology (“ChemTech Centre”).

The contribution was formalised during a ceremony at the OPCW Headquarters between OPCW Director-General, H.E. Mr Fernando Arias, and the Permanent Representative of Portugal to the OPCW, H.E. Ambassador Rosa Batoréu.

H.E. Ms. Rosa Batoréu, Ambassador of Portugal and H.E. Mr. Fernando Arias, OPCW Director General during the ceremony.

The Director-General expressed: “I thank the Government of Portugal for this major contribution to the new OPCW Centre for Chemistry and Technology that will further build the capabilities of our Member States to achieve a world free of chemical weapons.”

Ambassador Batoréu stated: “The OPCW is an essential pillar of the international disarmament and security architecture, and Portugal remains strongly committed to supporting its mission to achieve a world free of chemical weapons and of the threat of their use.”

She further remarked: “Portugal trusts that the new ChemTech Centre will provide significant collective benefits, as it becomes a leader in research, analysis, training and capacity building. The Centre will also reinvigorate the Organisation’s ability to adapt to science and technology developments while giving a valuable thrust to its verification, detection and response activities as well as to enhancing international cooperation.” She also commented that Portugal highly appreciates the work of the OPCW and is honoured to be able to contribute to timely completion of this important project.

Director-General Arias appealed to all OPCW States Parties in a position to make voluntary contributions to do so. He further emphasised the important role the new ChemTech Centre will play in strengthening the OPCW’s ability to address chemical weapon threats, boost its investigative capability, and enhance capacity building activities. He highlighted that “all contributions, regardless of size, are greatly appreciated”.

So far, twenty-seven States Parties and the European Union have contributed or pledged to contribute financially to the project, and a considerable amount has been raised to date.

Allocution du Procureur Serge Brammertz devant le Conseil de sécurité de l’ONU

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Allocution du Procureur Serge Brammertz devant le Conseil de sécurité de l’ONU

Arusha,le 11 dĂ©cembre 2019 – Le Procureur du MĂ©canisme international appelĂ© Ă  exercer les fonctions rĂ©siduelles des Tribunaux pĂ©naux (le « MĂ©canisme »), Serge Brammertz, a prononcĂ© aujourd’hui une allocution devant le Conseil de sĂ©curitĂ© de l’Organisation des Nations Unies. 

Il a commencé par faire un point sur les quelques procédures en cours devant le Mécanisme, à savoir l’appel dans l’affaire Mladić, le nouveau procès en première instance dans l’affaire Stanišić et Simatović, la mise en état de l’affaire d’outrage Turinabo et consorts, et la procédure en révision dans l’affaire Ngirabatware. 

Le Procureur a informé le Conseil de sécurité que le Bureau du Procureur du Mécanisme avait convaincu la Chambre d’appel de rejeter la demande en révision présentée par Augustin Ngirabatware, un ancien ministre rwandais qui, en 2014, a été déclaré coupable d’incitation à commettre le génocide et pour avoir incité au génocide et l’avoir aidé et encouragé. Il a expliqué que son Bureau avait mis au jour et présenté de multiples preuves d’un vaste projet criminel auquel de nombreuses personnes ont participé pendant trois ans, consistant à faire pression sur des témoins dans le but de faire infirmer les déclarations de culpabilité prononcées contre Ngirabatware.

Le Procureur a également informé le Conseil que six personnes étaient désormais mises en accusation par son Bureau pour ces infractions, dont Ngirabatware lui-même. Serge Brammertz a dit à ce propos : « Cet aboutissement prouve bien aux témoins qui ont déposé devant le TPIR, le TPIY ou le Mécanisme qu’ils continuent de bénéficier de la protection du Mécanisme. » 

Le Procureur a ensuite évoqué devant le Conseil de sécurité la recherche des huit personnes mises en accusation par le Tribunal pénal international pour le Rwanda encore en fuite, en commençant par ces mots : « Je dois malheureusement vous dire aujourd’hui que nous n’obtenons pas de certains États Membres la coopération dont nous avons besoin. » Il a informé le Conseil que l’Afrique du Sud, qui a été avertie en août 2018 qu’un fugitif avait été localisé sur son territoire, n’a toujours pas arrêté ce fugitif.

S’il a salué l’annonce faite par l’Afrique du Sud la semaine dernière qu’elle allait finalement faire exécuter le mandat d’arrêt, le Procureur a néanmoins souligné qu’« [à] ce stade tardif, seule l’arrestation immédiate du fugitif pourra satisfaire les victimes et le Conseil de sécurité ».

Parlant d’autres fugitifs, il a fait remarquer que nombre de demandes importantes et ayant un caractère d’urgence faites à certains États Membres restent sans réponse, bien que son Bureau produise des renseignements précieux à même d’ouvrir des pistes, et que son Bureau n’a pas accès aux personnes et aux informations dont il a besoin.

Le Procureur a conclu en ces termes : « Le Conseil de sécurité a exhorté à maintes reprises les États Membres à apporter toute la coopération nécessaire dans la recherche des fugitifs. Hélas, ce message n’est pas entendu par certains États. » Il a demandé au Conseil d’envoyer un message clair et de rappeler à tous les États Membres que la recherche des fugitifs est toujours cruciale aujourd’hui. 

Le Procureur a terminé son allocution en abordant devant le Conseil de sécurité les efforts entrepris à l’échelle nationale, au Rwanda et dans les pays issus de la Yougoslavie, pour rendre justice au plus grand nombre de victimes. Il a fait observer qu’il restait encore beaucoup à faire, étant donné que les autorités rwandaises recherchent toujours plus de 500 fugitifs et que, dans les pays issus de la Yougoslavie, des milliers d’affaires doivent encore être jugées devant les juridictions nationales.

Le Procureur a de nouveau fait état devant le Conseil de la glorification des criminels de guerre et du déni des crimes qu’on observe au Rwanda et dans les pays issus de la Yougoslavie. Au sujet du Rwanda, il a signalé la persistance d’initiatives concertées visant au déni du génocide rwandais, qui s’appuient sur la propagation de récits révisionnistes et le déni de l’intention génocidaire des auteurs.

Au sujet de l’ex-Yougoslavie, il a rappelé que le déni des crimes et la glorification des criminels de guerre étaient des phénomènes généralisés dans toute la région. Le Procureur a expliqué que la manière d’agir des responsables politiques était révélatrice de la profondeur du problème : « Ce n’est pas en promettant la réconciliation, ni en jetant des ponts vers les autres communautés, qu’ils cherchent à acquérir des voix. Ils croient au contraire gagner les élections en niant les atrocités commises et en glorifiant ceux qui en sont responsables. Certains promeuvent des versions révisionnistes de l’histoire, tandis que d’autres essaient d’obtenir des voix en rendant hommage aux criminels de guerre plutôt qu’en les blâmant. » 
Allocution du Procureur

Rapport sur l’avancement des travaux

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