Better Safeguard National Security – Brighter Future for Hong Kong

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Better Safeguard National Security – Brighter Future for Hong Kong

By H.E. Dr. Xu Hong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China.

Since the turbulence over the amendment bill last June, the “Hong Kong independence” organizations and radical localists have been colluding with external forces to create frequent riots in Hong Kong. And the situation has become more and more intense, posing an increasing threat to China’s national security.

In response to this situation, in late May, the National People’s Congress, China’s highest legislative body, passed a “Decision on Establishing and Improving the Legal System and Enforcement Mechanisms for the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region to Safeguard National Security”, which was warmly supported by the Chinese people, including Hong Kong compatriots.

China’s legislation to safeguard its own national security is absolutely justified, and is purely China’s internal affair. However, a few countries in the world turn a blind eye to the will of the Chinese people, and make unwarranted accusations against the decision. Very few countries even threat to impose sanctions on China.

It’s known to all that for every country, national security is the fundamental prerequisite for its survival and an important manifestation of sovereign independence. All countries, be they unitary or federal, attach great importance to national security legislation, with no exception. In the US, there are more than 20 legislations on national security, of which the wide coverage and strict implementation measures of the legislations are incomparable to other countries in the world. Since similar legislation could be done by every country in the world, why does it become a problem in HKSAR of China?

One of the arguments is that China’s practice violates its international obligations under the international agreement (that is, the 1984 Sino-British Joint Declaration). This is, however, completely a pseudo-proposition. People with this argument simply cannot even point out which clause of the Joint Declaration China has violated. The core essence of the Joint Statement is the realization of Hong Kong’s return to China, and this historical mission has been completed already. Although in the Joint Declaration were basic policies of the Chinese government toward Hong Kong mentioned (as elaborated in Paragraph 3 and Annex I of the Joint Declaration), it should be noted that these were policies announced by China on its own in the form of “unilateral declaration of the Chinese government”, and by no means aroused any international obligation to the British side.

China had clearly pointed out to the British side in the negotiation that neither the issue of sovereignty was negotiable, nor was the issue of jurisdiction; and the implementation of the policies were purely internal affairs of China, which had nothing to do with the British side. In fact, the policies declared by the Chinese side had been incorporated into the Basic Law of the HKSAR and had been comprehensively and effectively implemented through laws. There is no single word—in the Basic Law or the Joint Declaration and its annexes—to deprive or weaken the power and responsibility of the Central Government to maintain national security in the HKSAR. It is totally groundless to say that China violates the international agreement.

The “supervision” of the implementation of the Joint Declaration claimed by the UK, however, is the typical mentality of colonialism. Human history has entered the 21st century. The era when one country could wantonly interfere in the internal affairs of other countries is gone for ever. However, some countries still attempt to interfere in China’s Hong Kong affairs by misinterpreting the Joint Declaration.

This is severely against basic principles of international law and norms governing international relations, including mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, and non-interference in internal affairs. The UK should deeply rethink its words and deeds, and stop interfering in Hong Kong affairs. Instead, it should listen to the just appeal of most countries in the world, implement the advisory opinion delivered by the International Court of Justice on the Chagos Islands in 2019 as soon as possible, and return the Chagos Islands to Mauritius at an early date to complete the decolonization of Mauritius.

The second argument is that the legislative power for national security has been granted to the HKSAR, so it is in the purview of the HKSAR’s autonomy, and is therefore no longer within the central authority. However, this is purely misleading. National security is closely related to sovereignty and territorial integrity. The Central Government is responsible for upholding national security, as is the case in any country.

H.E. Dr. Xu Hong, Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to The Netherlands. Photography by Frank Jansen.

This is basic common sense which is self-evident. This has also been reflected in the existing laws of HKSAR. For example, according to the 1997 Mutual Legal Assistance in Criminal Matters Ordinance of the HKSAR, the HKSAR should give notice to the Central Government in relation to every Hong Kong requests and external requests on mutual legal assistance in criminal matters. On the ground that “the interests of China in matters of sovereignty, security or public order would be significantly affected” by such mutual legal assistance, the Central Government has the power to issue instructions which the government of HKSAR should comply with. 

It must be made clear that the Article 23 of the Basic Law — stating that Hong Kong shall enact laws on its own to prohibit seven types of acts that endanger national security — is a constitutional duty of HKSAR, instead of an exclusive power. The Central Government’s developing national security legislation and applying it to the HKSAR is an inherent power of the top legislature in a sovereign country and is fully in compliance with the Constitution of China and the Basic Law. In the 23 years since the return of Hong Kong, due to the obstruction of internal and external anti-China forces, HKSAR has not completed the legislative task stipulated in Article 23 of the Basic Law.

In fact, Hong Kong has become a rare case in the world without any national security legislation, which is extremely abnormal and must not continue any more. It is against this background that the National People’s Congress decisively exercised its legislative power and fill up the loophole at this critical and urgent time. There is no conflict between the NPC’s legislation and Article 23 of the Basic Law, which means HKSAR still needs to fulfill its duty of local legislation following the Basic Law in order to cooperate with national law to form a institutional assurance that effectively maintain national security in the Hong Kong SAR.

The third argument they raise is that the legislation by Beijing and the establishment of a national security agency in Hong Kong will restrict Hong Kong’s human rights and freedom, impair Hong Kong’s high degree of autonomy, and lead to “One Country, One System”. This worry is completely unnecessary. First, the implementation of “One Country, Two Systems”, “Hong Kong people ruling Hong Kong”, and a high degree of autonomy are basic national policies independently chosen by China, not imposed by any foreign country.

No other country, more than China itself, wants Hong Kong to maintain long-term prosperity and stability and it hopes that “One Country, Two Systems” will be stable and far-reaching.

The enactment of Hong Kong-related national security legislation will only improve the “One Country, Two Systems” system and will not affect its capitalist system or independent judicial power, or derogate the rights and freedom of expression, press and assembly enjoyed by Hong Kong residents according to law. Second, the Decision of National People’s Congress pointed out clearly that the Hong Kong-related national security legislation targets only very few acts that seriously endanger national security, such as secession, subversion against the Central People’s Government, organizing and carrying out terrorist activities and foreign interventions in affairs of the Hong Kong SAR. After all, only a handful of people may engage in these activities. For other people who do not, there is nothing to worry about.

The situation in Hong Kong in the past year has fully demonstrated that the prosperity and stability of Hong Kong cannot be achieved without maintenance of national security. Some thugs now openly advocate “Hong Kong independence”, smash and burn everywhere, indiscriminately attack innocent civilians, destroy public facilities, challenge rule-based governance. Violent terrorist activities continue to escalate, and illegal interference by external forces is more emboldened, which have seriously threatened the lives and property of residents, and greatly affected investors’ confidence in Hong Kong.

The main reason for these chaos is the weak foundation of national security. Therefore, taking the NPC legislation as an opportunity to improve Hong Kong’s legal system and enforcement mechanism for safeguarding national security will better protect the rights and freedom enjoyed by Hong Kong residents according to law, better protect the high degree of autonomy of Hong Kong, so that to create conditions to solve deep-seated problems such as the economy and livelihood and create a more stable and reliable rule of law and business environment. And only under this premise can the concern of the business community about “violent terrorist activities”,“mutual destruction” and other chaos be eliminated, so that to create more favorable conditions for people from abroad who intend to work, invest, and live in Hong Kong.

It seems that for certain country intending to use Hong Kong as a bridgehead to contain, infiltrate and destroy China, it is good to keep Hong Kong “undefended” in national security so that they can do whatever they want. And that is why they react so strongly toward Chinese legislation.

However, maintaining national security concerns China’s core interests and is a just and necessary move by a sovereign country, therefore no room for compromise.

No matter under what pressure, the Chinese government remains unwavering in its determination to safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests, implement “One Country, Two Systems” policy, and oppose external interference in Hong Kong affairs.

We have also noticed that not all countries that have expressed concerns on China’s above-mentioned legislation intend to endanger China’s national security. Some are misled and coerced. I would suggest these countries be calm and not parrot others to rush into conclusions, get blinded by ideological prejudice, or line up with camps and ignore the truth and facts. In the next step, the Chinese legislature will start drafting and formulating specific national security laws concerning Hong Kong in accordance with the Decision of the National People’s Congress. In the process, it will also consult the people of different sectors in Hong Kong in an appropriate manner.

It is hoped that all countries could adopt an objective and fair approach, understand, respect and support the efforts of the Chinese government to maintain national security, and not interfere in China’s internal affairs in any way.

Netherlands and US celebrate the sacrifice of US soldiers buried in Margraten

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Netherlands and US celebrate the sacrifice of US soldiers buried in Margraten

H.E. Mr. Peter Hoekstra, Ambassador of the United States and HM King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands.

On Sunday, May 24, His Majesty King Willem-Alexander of the Netherlands and United States Ambassador, H.E. Pete Hoekstra led an intimate ceremony in which their two countries remembered the sacrifice of the more than 10,000 US citizens who lost their lives 75 years ago during the liberation of the Netherlands.

Despite the lack of public due to the current restriction, the ceremony featured very powerful moments. The King and Ambassador Hoekstra laid wreaths in honor of the soldiers buried in Margraten, the cemetery’s director shared a moving story of two of the fallen with a unique connection, and the Dutch  Royal Air Force conducted a fly-by in the Missing Man formation.  

Margraten, cemetery’s director during the ceremony.

Concluding his speech, Ambassador Hoekstra took pride of the strong relationship between his country and the Netherlands, stressing how these ties are deeply rooted in the two countries’ love for freedom.

“Margraten is just one of the many reminders of why and how our two nations are real friends: our shared commitment to the love for freedom” – he said.

The Dutch Royal Air Force conducted a fly-by in the Missing Man formation.

“Those moments and others speak to the deep friendship between the Kingdom of the Netherlands and the United States of America. The willingness of both countries to work through the challenges presented by COVID-19 and find a way to honor these soldiers on Memorial Day was itself a tribute to the souls interred there” – a communique of the US Embassy stated.

“We hope that soon enough the families who tend to these graves, who have adopted these heroes as their own, will be able to walk along the headstones, and let loved ones in the U.S. know that these sacrifices made nearly a century ago have not been forgotten.” 

HM King Willem-Alexander of The Netherlands in Margraten cemetery.

Bahraini PMC injected with dynamism

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Bahraini PMC injected with dynamism

Friday, 29 May 2020, Kingdom of Bahrain: His Majesty King Hamad II bin Isa Al Khalifa issued a decree appointing HE Sheikh Khalifa bin Rashid Al Khalifa as Advisor to His Royal Highness The Prime Minister of Bahrain with the rank of minister as well as the latter’s brother HE Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid bin Khalifa as Prime Minister’s Court Undersecretary.

Both young sheikhs have a long record of assisting unofficially HRH Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the doyen of heads of government globally, and are sons of HE Sheikh Rashid bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Interior for Passports and Nationality, Honorary President of Bahrain Arts Society and Founder of Royal Bridges. 

The Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Bahrain, HRH Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa – State Department photo by Ron Przysucha, public domain.

For further information:
https://www.bahrain.bh/wps/portal/!ut/p/a0/hcq9DoIwFEDhV-nCfAtEgiMxBsNCojFiF3IhlV4pt_wU4uMbBmfHc_KBggoU40YdenKMdm-V1JdSJmGURkUa32OZlcnpejzLMJcHuGmG4h-q4EnvaVIZqNax1x8Ple7cNrrZo601B9K4QQdyWqnthSXul0Bi41YvGjQz0i5mI8aZuNWiN2jphaIhFgvaAVmg_V0Y-_zxBW1EFcA!/

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On the image HE Undersecretary Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Khalifa at Bahrain National Museum together with Royal Bridges’ Managing Director Henri Estramant.

Pablo Grinspun to lead the Argentine’s mission to the EU

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Pablo Grinspun to lead the Argentine’s mission to the EU

Ambassador Pablo Grinspun – Picture by Embassy of the Argentine to Belgium and Luxembourg.

The Argentine’s President Alberto Fernández has announced the appointment of the incumbent country’s ambassador to Belgium and Luxembourg (non-resident) Pablo Grinspun to head the top post at the Mission to the European Union in Brussels. 

In Belgium Ambassador Grinspun presented credentials back on Thursday, 26 May 2016 before His Majesty The King of the Belgians, and in Luxembourg City on Wednesday, 8 February 2017 before Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg. 

In fact, Foreign Minister Felipe Solá endeavours to increase the economic profile of all Argentine diplomatic missions, hence it makes sense for Ambassador Grinspun to take the reins of the Mission to the EU being himself an expert on economic affairs, and international negotiations. Before arriving to Brussels Ambassador Grinspun served as Undersecretary for Latin American Economic Integration and Mercosur. 

Pablo Grinspun is married to Silvia Korenblum. He is a son a a former Minister of Economy, Bernado Grinspun under the presidency of Raúl Alfonsín (1983-89). 

For further information: 
Contribution from Ambassador Grinspun on the 2018 Princely Economic Mission from Belgium to the Argentine: https://diplomatmagazine.eu/2018/07/01/belgiums-princely-mission-to-argentina/
Throwback to his accreditation to the world’s only grand duchy: https://diplomatmagazine.eu/2017/02/21/ambassadors-to-luxembourg-accredited/

About EU-Argentine relations: https://eeas.europa.eu/delegations/argentina_es/14112/Argentina%20y%20la%20UE
Argentine Mission to the European Union: https://eceur.cancilleria.gob.ar

12th International Ensemble and Composers Academy for Contemporary Music

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12th International Ensemble and Composers Academy for Contemporary Music

Online Registration has started …

 

Registration for the 12th International Ensemble and Composers Academy for Contemporary Music 202112th international impuls academy (coming along with the 7th impuls Festival) has started and invites composers, young ensembles and chamber music formations as well as – only for some specific special programs – sound and multimedia artists, performers, individual musicians, actors, dancers, instrument designers to join impuls 2021 in Graz, Austria (17.2. day of arrival – 1.3. day of departure).

Please note, that, unlike former editions, the Academy 2021 does not offer any instrumental classes for individual musicians.

An international team of renowned tutors will coach participants from all over the world, and offer various Special Programs beyond individual training. Daily group lectures, discussions, talks and other forms of discourse programs as well as daily Festival concerts and presentations (partly also of Academy participants) enrich the Academy offers.

Georgia Celebrates 102th Anniversary of the Independence Day

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Georgia Celebrates 102th Anniversary of the Independence Day

By Vakhtang Makharoblishvili, First Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Georgia.

Georgia marks the Independence Day – 102 years ago, on May 26, 1918, Georgia’s National Council established the First Democratic Republic. Although Georgia lost its independence as a result of Soviet occupation in 1921, the First Democratic Republic has remained a symbol of Georgia’s freedom, its values, as well as its pride. Modern Georgia is also a legal and political successor of the short-lived First Republic.

Over a century ago, Georgia started to build a state based on democracy, equality and individual freedoms. To build a free and democratic state, the country needed to succeed in two main directions – to liberate from Bolshevik Russia’s political influence and to develop effective democratic state institutions. These goals remain relevant today. Georgia has been consolidating its democratic institutions, developing its growing economy, asserting itself as a viable trade route between Europe and Asia, and, importantly, advancing its integration into the European and Euro-Atlantic institutions regardless the Russian efforts to derail Georgia’s independence.

Georgia’s geographic location has been an asset for the country’s economy – we are slowly becoming a regional hub for tourism, international business, logistics, education and innovation. Among the main roads connecting Europe to Asia, the road through Georgia is the most stable and secure and serves as an entry gate for the Central Asian landlocked countries to Europe. Georgia is an important knot for regional trade flows and has a unique geographic advantage for market integration with the rest of the world, including the European Union.

The country has written a remarkable story of transformation whereby Government has taken significant steps to deregulate the economy and streamline bureaucracy, thus, creating a favorable and welcoming business environment, as well as inclusive growth opportunities.

The global pandemic of COVID-19 has posed us a severe and unprecedented challenge. To contain, delay and mitigate the effects of COVID-19, the Government of Georgia started implementing the relevant measures at the earlier stage of the pandemic. Coordinated efforts were directed to three principle directions: healthcare, law and order, economy.

The effectiveness of the measures has translated into the relatively low COVID-19 numbers in the country. Georgia is one of the successful nations to duly address the global crisis and prevent large negative impact. The country has been praised for its effective coordination and communication. The Government has cushioned the economy with tax deferrals, allocation of funds, mobilizing international financial aid, etc. which has secured opportunities for swift economic revival. Apart from the policies and strategies, the Government has been transparent and open in its crisis management.

As a consequence of successful containment of the virus in Georgia, we will soon be able to open up to international tourism, which is one of the fast-growing industries of Georgian economy. Our country has received up to 9.4 million visitors in 2019, which is a 7.8% increase compared to the year before. Georgia has become a popular travel destination for Dutch tourists during past years that have been demonstrated in elevated number of travelers (18 204 visitors in 2018, while in 2019 – 22 908 visitors).

Fortunately, successful response to pandemic allows our country to open its tourism sector to both domestic and international travelers.  Provision of domestic tourism services will begin on the 15th of June while the country will be ready to welcome its foreign tourists as of 1st of July through safe corridors and in strict pursuit of health and sanitary standards. The Georgian government rigorously adheres to the guidelines of the World Health and Tourism Organizations in its decisions to make travel to Georgia as safe as possible.

Even if Georgia has a lot to celebrate, we still have a part of the territory occupied by the Russian Federation. The country is divided by barbed wire fences erected by Russian FSB troops along the occupation line, we continue with our positive reform agenda and country’s democratic transformation. Throughout years, we have faced Russia’s constant violations of the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement, intensive military build-up in both Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali region/South Ossetia, while close to half a million of IDPs and refugees are deprived of the right to return to their homes in safety and dignity.  

Those, who remain in the occupied territories, have become target of grave human right violations and ethnic discrimination. Despite Russia’s continuous provocations, the Georgian Government unwaveringly pursues the peaceful conflict resolution policy aimed at the de-occupation of its territories and reconciliation of people divided by the occupation line. Almost a century ago, the Russian Red Army invaded Georgia and disrupted its development for the following seventy years. However, after the fall of the Soviet regime, the country has become one of the most successful young democracies of the region. As an associated Partner of the European Union and a NATO aspirant country, Georgia is becoming another success story of democratic transformation and Western integration in Europe.

These achievements are rooted in the democratic aspirations of the people of Georgia who have come a long way to earn their independence, their freedom and their right to choose. This is why the Independence Day of Georgia is not just a day of remembrance of the past victory, it is most of all a day that celebrates the future of Georgia: free, democratic and united.

A Call for Solidarity

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A Call for Solidarity

By H.E. Ms. Maria Teresa de Jesus Infante Caffi, Ambassador of Chile and Ms. Anna María Oduber, Charge d’affaires, Embassy of Costa Rica in The Netherlands.

    As the COVID-19 epidemic continues worldwide, a call for action has been made to support an initiative for solidarity during these difficult times. On Friday, May 12, Costa Rica and Chile presented to the WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros Adhanom the proposal of a call for action to all Member States in joining them in the creation of a global platform that will enable the sharing of technologies and information about the COVID-19 epidemic. 

    The platform, which will officially go into effect on May 29, envisages comprising technologies, vaccines, research, and other vital information that can aid nations in progressing in the fight against the COVID-19 virus. The call for action constitutes an appeal to all states, to the academic and health sectors, as well as to corporations, and civil society, to share any progress they are making in this ongoing struggle to further obtain worldwide success on the matter.

    The President of Costa Rica, Carlos Alvarado Quesada, has stressed the need for solidarity in these uncertain times and highlighted the importance of sharing such vital knowledge. As he describes it, pandemics such as the one occurring today, hurt the most vulnerable portions of global society and put at risk much more than daily comfort. Solidarity between all countries will enable for better protection of these most at risk. Both Chile and Costa Rica have stressed the need to combat the COVID-19 epidemic together and supported the WHO’s stance on a united front.  

Costa Rica’s flag.

    As researchers and governments make progress and breakthroughs on treatments, and innovations concerning COVID-19, a public database will ensure that this information is available to those more in need and who may benefit the most in need without the risk of missing out. This will hopefully stimulate open access to information, free of charge that will help push forward the movement to end this pandemic and reduce human casualties. Where a lack of charge is not feasible, this call to action invites to stimulate views to agree on reasonable pricing for such information and innovations, while rendering them available in a timely manner for all those who require them. No heinous discriminations that affect public health and the ability to sustain the socio-economic development of our people can be sustained.

The call comes two weeks before the largest annual WHO event in which many other countries, such as the Netherlands, will also address the need for planned solidarity initiatives to promote a unified front against the COVID-19 virus.

This call for a combined front based on the principles of solidarity also draws on the third UN Global Sustainable Goal to “Support the research and development of vaccines and medicines for the communicable and non-communicable diseases that primarily affect developing countries… and, in particular, provide access to medicines for all.”  

Chile Panamericana Road.

As president Alvarado said, “it’s an opportunity for humanity to show the best of what we are made of”. And as Chile said, when announcing the initiative, “in line with the ideas put at the forefront regarding climate change, it is time to enhance the ideals of multilateralism intensifying all levels of actions, be they national, regional or global, preventing and controlling pandemics, foreseeing the full realization of the highest mental and physical health standards that each person is entitled to.”

Chile and Costa Rica would like to associate themselves with other countries to be at the forefront of this call to action and to strengthen bonds as governments and societies, by sharing tools which will ultimately work to save lives.

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Main picture H.E. Ms. Maria Teresa de Jesus Infante Caffi, Ambassador of Chile in The Netherlands.

Bush Plaza inagurated at Clayallee

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Bush Plaza inagurated at Clayallee

Deputy Chief of Mission Robin Quinville and Ambassador Grenell – Picture by State Department -US Embassy in Berlin.

Friday, 22 May 2020, Berlin, USA Embassy to Germany: Ambassador Richard Grenell, Acting Director of National Intelligence, and the embassy’s Deputy Chief of Mission, Robin Quinvile dedicated the new ‘Bush Plaza’ at Clayallee to former President George H. W. Bush senior.

Year 2020 marks the 30th anniversary of German reunification, which took place on 3 October 1990. President Bush Sr. was instrumental in the peaceful end to the Cold War as well as German reunification. The plaza’s naming showcases an important period of US diplomatic history, and thereby recognises President Bush’s significant contributions to a united Germany that is free and prosperous.

The embassy’s edifice on Clayallee is deemed as historic building, and served for a long time as the representation to West Berlin; a sign of US American ‘support for the divided city’s democratic future as part of the western alliance’ as per statement below. The building was occupied by US armed forces from 1 July 1945 until 12 July 1994. Subsequently, the building has served as a part of the U.S. diplomatic representation to Germany. 

Bush Plaza, at edifice’s entrance is accessible to the general public.

For further information: 
https://de.usembassy.gov/clay-entrance-named-in-honor-of-george-h-w-bush/?fbclid=IwAR1QXUl_mf6QdGxM0XdwguNhMw_AfHfVeGhA9IgcJZSLNSlI08Fyihm4Nu4

Richard Grenell as Acting Director of National Intelligence

CPI rejette demande d’indemnisation

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CPI rejette demande d’indemnisation

La Chambre préliminaire II de la CPI rejette la demande d’indemnisation et de dommages et intérêts de M. Jean-Pierre Bemba.

Le 18 mai 2020, la Chambre préliminaire II de la Cour pénale internationale a rendu sa décision sur la demande d’indemnisation et de dommages et intérêts de M. Jean-Pierre Bemba. M. Bemba a été arrêté en mai 2008 à la suite d’un mandat d’arrêt de la CPI et a été acquitté par la Chambre d’appel de la CPI le 8 juin 2018.

La demande de M. Bemba comportait deux volets : une demande d’indemnisation au titre de l’article 85-3 du Statut de Rome et une demande de dommages et intérêts liée à l’alléguée mauvaise gestion par le Greffe de la CPI des avoirs gelés sur ordre des juges de la Cour.

Concernant le premier volet, la Chambre a considéré que M. Bemba n’avait pas établi qu’il avait subi une erreur judiciaire grave et manifeste au sens de l’article 85 du Statut de Rome de la CPI et, en conséquence, a refusé d’exercer son pouvoir discrétionnaire d’accorder une indemnisation à M. Bemba.

S’agissant du deuxième volet, la Chambre a conclu que cette question ne relevait pas du champ d’application de l’article 85 du Statut de Rome de la CPI et de sa compétence et l’a donc rejetée.

La Chambre a également noté que, la responsabilité de la bonne exécution d’une demande de coopération émanant de la Cour incombant principalement aux États requis, le rôle du Greffe se limitant à faciliter leur communication avec la Cour, sa décision est sans préjudice au droit de M. Bemba de recourir à d’autres voies de recours et possibilités qui lui seraient autrement ouvertes concernant des dommages allégués en rapport avec ses avoirs à la suite de mesures prises dans le cadre de l’exécution des décisions de la Cour.

En outre, la Chambre a noté que l’affaire Bemba fournit un exemple de la gravité des conséquences entraînées par l’absence de limites statutaires quant à la durée de la procédure ou, plus grave encore, de la détention provisoire. Tout en soulignant la responsabilité de la Cour d’assurer la célérité de la procédure en tant que principe fondamental du droit à un procès équitable et de rationaliser sa propre procédure en conséquence, la Chambre a jugé urgent que les États parties se lancent dans une révision du Statut afin d’envisager de remédier à ces limitations.

Decision on Mr Bemba’s claim for compensation and damages

Pour plus d’information sur l’affaire, veuillez suivre ce lien.

Le Procureur du Mécanisme Serge Brammertz confirme le décès du fugitif Augustin Bizimana

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Le Procureur du Mécanisme Serge Brammertz confirme le décès du fugitif Augustin Bizimana

L’un des deux derniers organisateurs du génocide encore recherchés, serait décédé depuis août 2000, selon le procureur du tribunal international sur le Rwanda. Augustin Bizimana, etait l’ancien ministre de la Défense pendant le génocide des Tutsi, en 1994.

Arusha, La Haye, le 22 mai 2020 – Le Bureau du Procureur du Mécanisme confirme aujourd’hui le décès d’Augustin Bizimana, l’un des principaux fugitifs accusés d’avoir été l’un des hauts commanditaires du génocide perpétré en 1994 contre les Tutsis au Rwanda. Son décès a pu être confirmé à l’issue de l’identification formelle des restes de son corps retrouvés dans un cimetière à Pointe‑Noire (République du Congo).

Ministre de la défense du Gouvernement intérimaire du Rwanda durant le génocide, Augustin Bizimana avait été mis en accusation en 1998 par le Tribunal pénal international pour le Rwanda (le « TPIR »). Il devait répondre de 13 chefs de génocide, complicité dans le génocide, extermination, meurtre, assassinat, viol, torture, autres actes inhumains, persécution, traitements cruels et atteintes à la dignité de la personne, pour des crimes commis dans le cadre du génocide de 1994.

Parmi les crimes reprochés, Augustin Bizimana devait répondre du meurtre de l’ancien Premier Ministre Agathe Uwilingiyimana, de dix membres belges des forces de maintien de la paix, et de civils tutsis dans les préfectures de Gisenyi, Ruhengeri, Butare, Kibuye et Cyangugu.

Le Bureau du Procureur a pu confirmer le décès d’Augustin Bizimana à l’issue d’une enquête exhaustive alliant des technologies avancées et de vastes opérations sur le terrain, et grâce à la coopération exceptionnelle des autorités partenaires au Rwanda, en République du Congo, aux Pays‑Bas et aux États‑Unis d’Amérique. À la fin de l’an dernier, le Bureau du Procureur a effectué une analyse génétique sur des échantillons précédemment obtenus de restes humains retrouvés dans un cimetière à Pointe‑Noire (République du Congo). D’autres enquêtes et des analyses génétiques comparatives menées par le Bureau du Procureur ces derniers mois ont permis d’exclure la possibilité que ces restes soient ceux d’une autre personne. D’autres éléments de preuve ayant trait aux circonstances du décès d’Augustin Bizimana ont également été vérifiés. Par conséquent, le Bureau du Procureur peut confirmer aujourd’hui le décès d’Augustin Bizimana. Il serait mort en août 2000 à Pointe‑Noire.

Le Bureau du Procureur exprime en particulier sa reconnaissance à l’institut néerlandais de criminalistique et au laboratoire américain Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory pour leur appui et assistance techniques indispensables dans ce domaine.

Avec l’arrestation de Félicien Kabuga samedi dernier et la confirmation aujourd’hui du décès d’Augustin Bizimana, le Bureau du Procureur a ainsi retrouvé deux des trois principaux fugitifs mis en accusation par le TPIR. Le dernier accusé toujours en fuite est Protais Mpiranya, ancien commandant du bataillon de la Garde présidentielle des forces armées rwandaises, que le Bureau du Procureur continue de rechercher activement, tout comme les cinq autres fugitifs mis en accusation par le TPIR, à savoir Fulgence Kayishema, Phénéas Munyarugarama, Aloys Ndimbati, Ryandikayo et Charles Sikubwabo.

Le Bureau du Procureur invite tous les États Membres de l’Organisation des Nations Unies à renforcer leur coopération afin que les derniers fugitifs soient traduits en justice.

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Photography Augustin Bizimana, International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals.

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