The Republic of Azerbaijan V the Republic of Armenia: First Procedural Meeting in Arbitration under energy Charter Treaty

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The Hague, 5 February 2024 – The first procedural meeting between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Republic of Armenia, convened under the auspices of the Energy Charter Treaty, was held on 5 February 2024 at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the headquarters of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA). This meeting marked a significant step in the ongoing arbitration process, with both parties engaging in discussions concerning the procedural framework for the arbitration.

Chaired by Ms. Jean E. Kalicki, a national of the United States of America, the three-member Arbitral Tribunal presided over the meeting. The delegation representing the Republic of Azerbaijan was led by H.E. Mr. Elnur Mammadov, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, while the Republic of Armenia was represented by H.E. Dr. Yeghishe Kirakosyan, Representative of the Republic of Armenia on International Legal Matters.

The arbitration proceedings were initiated on 27 February 2023 when the Republic of Azerbaijan served a Notice of Arbitration on the Republic of Armenia in accordance with Article 27 of the Energy Charter Treaty and the Arbitration Rules of the United Nations Commission on International Trade Law, 1976.

The Arbitral Tribunal, comprised of experts from diverse national backgrounds, aims to facilitate a fair and impartial resolution of the dispute. Alongside Ms. Kalicki, Professor Donald M. McRae from Canada and New Zealand, appointed by Azerbaijan, and Professor Brigitte Stern from France, appointed by Armenia, form the Tribunal.

For those seeking further information on the proceedings, the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) serves as the Registry for the arbitration and provides updates on its website (https://pcacpa.org/en/cases/312/).

Peace Palace The Hague, photography by Naldo Peverelli.

Established by the 1899 Hague Convention on the Pacific Settlement of International Disputes, the PCA is an independent intergovernmental organization with 122 Contracting Parties. Headquartered at the Peace Palace in The Hague, the Netherlands, the PCA facilitates various forms of dispute resolution, including arbitration, conciliation, and fact-finding, involving States, intergovernmental organizations, and private parties.

Presently, the PCA administers a diverse portfolio of cases, including inter-State arbitrations, investor-State arbitrations, and disputes arising from contracts involving States or public entities. More information about the PCA and its work can be accessed at www.pca-cpa.org.

As the arbitration proceedings unfold, the international community will closely monitor developments and await the Tribunal’s decision, which holds significant implications for the parties involved and broader regional dynamics.

Fortaleciendo la democracia hacia un futuro prometedor

Por S.E. Alexandra Hill Tinoco, Ministra de Relaciones Exteriores de El Salvador

El Salvador reafirmó recientemente, mediante la histórica reelección del presidente Nayib Bukele en febrero de 2024, el camino transformador de toda una Nación, que ha priorizado los pilares de la verdadera democracia, la libertad, el estado de derecho y la prosperidad sostenible para todos.

Si bien hay diversas perspectivas sobre el camino emprendido, la población de El Salvador cree firmemente que el progreso logrado bajo el liderazgo del Presidente Bukele ha sentado bases sólidas para un futuro más brillante. Esta sólida confianza en nuestro futuro ha trascendido nuestras fronteras. Líderes de todo el mundo reconocen el gran impulso que vive El Salvador y el futuro prometedor que le espera.

Al trabajar en el abordaje de las causas fundamentales de patrones estructurales que mantuvieron a toda la población atrapada en ciclos de violencia, pobreza y desigualdad, El Salvador mantiene su firme compromiso con el fortalecimiento de las instituciones y los procesos democráticos. La reciente elección presidencial, abierta a la participación de todos los ciudadanos salvadoreños, tanto dentro como fuera de nuestras fronteras, marcó un paso significativo hacia el voto más inclusivo y transparente de nuestra historia.

La promesa de libertad hecha al inicio de esta Administración, ha llegado acompañada del estandarte de la dignidad y la autodeterminación. Como nunca antes, El Salvador, desde cada rincón de sus fronteras, ha sido testigo de una notable disminución de homicidios y crímenes relacionados con pandillas, ofreciendo a todos los ciudadanos salvadoreños y visitantes extranjeros, la paz y la seguridad que se les habían negado durante tanto tiempo. Esta nueva libertad alimenta de esperanza las aspiraciones individuales y los empodera para participar activamente en la construcción de sus destinos.

Frente a los inmensos desafíos cotidianos, el respeto al Estado de Derecho se ha convertido en un imperativo esencial para guiar todas las acciones del Estado. Las inversiones en el fortalecimiento de la aplicación de la ley, con mejores salarios, capacitación e infraestructura, garantizan que la justicia y la rendición de cuentas prevalezcan, siendo parte fundamental de nuestra receta para el nuevo El Salvador.

Vislumbramos un futuro donde la construcción de la prosperidad va más allá de las ganancias inmediatas, creando un legado duradero para las generaciones venideras. Mediante proyectos e inversiones estratégicas en educación, infraestructura e innovación, estamos allanando el camino hacia una economía próspera que beneficie a todos por igual.

Como lo ha expresado con firmeza el Presidente Bukele y se ha promovido activamente a través de nuestra red de Embajadas, Misiones Permanentes y Consulados en todo el mundo, El Salvador reconoce la larga historia de cooperación internacional y valora las asociaciones genuinas, construidas sobre el entendimiento mutuo y el respeto a la soberanía. Damos la bienvenida al diálogo constructivo con todos los actores que comparten los principios y valores comunes, basados en un verdadero compromiso con la democracia, la libertad y el estado de derecho.

El segundo mandato del Presidente Bukele sentará las bases para el desarrollo social y económico del país, asimismo, concluirá la guerra contra las pandillas y la corrupción, flagelos que durante décadas impidieron el despegue de la nación y el bienestar de sus habitantes.

El Gobierno de El Salvador trabajará por la creación de empleos, el crecimiento económico y el desarrollo de nuevos sectores que han surgido en el país, como el turismo, la energía renovable, las nuevas tecnologías, la economía digital y la modernización de toda la administración pública.

En 2023, el Ministerio de Relaciones Exteriores lanzó la iniciativa “Transformando Vidas”, que busca ejemplificar nuestro compromiso de abordar las causas fundamentales de la migración y empoderar a las personas. Al ofrecer oportunidades laborales seguras y organizadas, cultivamos la estabilidad económica e invertimos en el presente y futuro de nuestros ciudadanos. El Salvador apuesta por la creación de alianzas para una prosperidad mutua e integral.

El horizonte de El Salvador hacia un futuro sostenible y próspero es una invitación abierta al mundo. Invitamos a socios, amigos y aliados con ideas afines a unirse a nosotros en la construcción de una sociedad donde la democracia, la libertad y el estado de derecho prosperen, garantizando un futuro mejor para las generaciones venideras.

Strengthening Democracy towards a promising future

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By H.E. Ms. Alexandra Hill Tinoco, Minister of Foreign Affairs of El Salvador

El Salvador recently reaffirmed, by the historical reelection of President Nayib Bukele in February 2024, the transformative journey of a whole Nation that prioritizes the fundamental pillars of true democracy, freedom, rule of law, and sustainable prosperity for all.

While acknowledging diverse perspectives on this path, the population of El Salvador firmly believes that the progress achieved under President Bukele’s leadership has laid a strong foundation for a brighter future. Such a powerful view of our future has gone beyond our borders. Leaders all over the world have recognized the great momentum El Salvador is living and the promising future ahead.

Whereas addressing the root causes of various structural patterns that kept an entire population trapped in cycles of violence, poverty, and inequality, El Salvador is steadfast in its commitment to strengthening democratic institutions and processes. The recent presidential election, that was open to all Salvadoran citizens, both within and beyond our borders, marked a significant step towards the most inclusive and transparent vote in our history.

The freedom’s promise made at the beginning of this Administration, it has come along with the flagship of dignity and self-determination. As never before, El Salvador, from every corner of its borders has witnessed a striking decline in homicides and gang-related crimes, offering all Salvadoran citizens and foreign visitors, the peace and security long denied. This newfound freedom fuels with hope individual aspirations and empowers them to actively participate in shaping their destinies.

In facing the immense day to day challenges, upholding the Rule of Law has become an imperative in guiding all the State actions. Investments in strengthening law enforcement, with improved salaries, training, and infrastructure, ensure justice and accountability prevail are nowadays part of our recipe for the new El Salvador.

We envision a future where building prosperity transcends immediate gains and creates a lasting legacy for generations to come. Through strategic projects and investments in education, infrastructure, and innovation, we are paving the way for a thriving economy that benefits all equally.

As firmly stated by President Bukele and actively promoted through our network of Embassies, Permanent Missions and Consulates worldwide, El Salvador recognizes the long history of international cooperation and value genuine partnerships, built on mutual understanding and respect for sovereignty. We welcome constructive dialogue with all stakeholders who share the common principles and values based on a true commitment to democracy, freedom, and the rule of law.

The second term of President Bukele will lay the foundations for the social and economic development of the country and will conclude the war against gangs and corruption, scourges that for decades prevented the nation from taking off and the well-being of its inhabitants.

The Government of El Salvador will continue working for job creation, economic growth and the development of new areas that have opened up in El Salvador, such as tourism, renewable energy, new technologies, the digital economy and the modernization of the entire public administration.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs launched in 2023 the initiative “Transformando Vidas” which seeks to exemplify our commitment to addressing root causes of migration and empowering individuals. By offering safe and organized labor opportunities, we cultivate economic stability and invest in our citizens’ present and future. El Salvador bets for creating partnerships towards a mutual and integral prosperity.

El Salvador’s journey towards a sustainable and prosperous future is an open invitation to the world. We invite like-minded partners, friends, and allies to join us in building a society where democracy, freedom, and the rule of law flourish, ensuring a brighter future for generations to come.

International Criminal Court welcomes Armenia as a new State Party

ASP President H.E. Ms Päivi Kaukoranta, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, H.E. Mr Ararat Mirzoyan, and ICC President, Judge Piotr Hofmański, during the ceremony at the seat of the Court in The Hague (The Netherlands) on 8 February 2024 ©ICC-CPI

Today, 8 February 2024, the International Criminal Court (ICC) held a ceremony at the seat of the Court in The Hague (The Netherlands) to welcome the Republic of Armenia as the 124th State Party to the Rome Statute, the ICC’s founding treaty.

During the ceremony, the ICC President, Judge Piotr Hofmański, presented the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, H.E. Mr Ararat Mirzoyan, with a special edition of the Rome Statute, as a symbol of commitment to the rule of law. 

The ceremony was held in the presence of the President of the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), H.E. Ms Päivi Kaukoranta, a number of ICC Judges, representatives of the Office of the Prosecutor, of the Registry, of the Trust Fund for Victims and of Embassies of States Parties accredited to The Netherlands.

ICC President Judge Piotr Hofmański welcomed the new State Party saying: “Thank you for making this Court stronger. And thank you for showing an example to all those who have not yet joined the Rome Statute. … Armenia has now joined the community of states committed to the notion that the most serious crimes of concern to the international community as a whole must be answered with justice.”

ASP President H.E. Ms Päivi Kaukoranta stated: “On behalf of the Assembly of States Parties, I congratulate and warmly welcome Armenia to the ICC family. I am certain Armenia will become an active State Party in the implementation of the Rome Statute and the pursuit of international criminal justice.”

The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Armenia, H.E. Mr Ararat Mirzoyan, said: “ICC’s role in crime prevention and ensuring fair and impartial justice process for peaceful resolution of conflicts is significant. In our region, where we have been confronted by proliferation of conflicts we are convinced that the Rome Statute among other legal mechanisms has real potential to prevent further escalation and atrocities. Let us celebrate not only Armenia’s commitment but also the shared vision of a world where justice prevails, and the dignity of every individual is protected.”

Background: On 14 November 2023, the Republic of Armenia had formally deposited the instrument of ratification of the Rome Statute of the ICC and the Statute entered into force on 1 February 2024. Armenia becomes the 124th State Party to join the Statute, and the 19th State from the Eastern European group to do so. 

One of the key leaders of EncroChat extradited to France with the support of Eurojust

One of the main key leaders of the company behind the encrypted communication tool EncroChat has been extradited to France from the Dominican Republic with the active support of Eurojust. The person involved was arrested in the Dominican Republic in May 2022 and has been under house arrest since then.

An international arrest warrant was issued against the suspect in July 2021. He was extradited to France last week at the request of the Public Prosecutor of Lille.

This dismantling was coordinated and supported by Eurojust and Europol and sent shockwaves through organised crime. Between 2020 and 2023, over 6 500 suspects were arrested and at least EUR 900 million in assets were seized, with investigations still ongoing. Eurojust supported a joint investigation team into the case from 2020.

In an update on the EncroChat investigations, in June 2023, the Public Prosecutor of Lille already announced that potential suspects who were living outside the European Union could be extradited. The French Desk at Eurojust supported the PPO of Lille in contacting the Dominican authorities to arrange the formal extradition to France. 

The extradited defendant is suspected, among other things, of participating in a criminal conspiracy to illegally import and acquire illicit drugs, and aiding and abetting their illegal possession, supply and transfer. He is also suspected of participating in a criminal conspiracy, aggravated money laundering, illegal arms possession and supplying or transferring a cryptologic device without integrity control or prior declaration to the authorities.

The person concerned was indicted on 2 February and further legal proceedings will be taken. The accused has been remanded in custody and is still presumed innocent at this stage of the proceedings. Eurojust remains available to support the authorities in case of further requests.

Azerbaijanis at the embassy polling stations

The Hague, February 7 Azerbaijani citizens participated in the snap presidential election at the polling station established at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in the Netherlands, demonstrating a high turnout.

“The voting process was conducted democratically, transparently, and fairly, in accordance with legislation. Azerbaijani citizens residing in the country expressed gratitude for the opportunity to exercise their electoral rights and the conditions provided to facilitate their voting experience.” Said H.E. Ambassador Rahman Mustafayev. 

Azerbaijani citizens voting at the Embassy polling station.

Eurojust supports action against smugglers

Smugglers using secret compartments in cars / Major blow to Albanian drug trafficking network: 59 arrests across Europe

The Hague, 6 February 2024

Italian and Albanian authorities have taken decisive action against a major drug trafficking network operating from both countries. With the support of Eurojust and Europol in a large-scale operation, 59 suspects were arrested on 5-6 February, including in Albania, Italy, Germany and the United Kingdom, and 10 suspects were subjected to other precautionary measures in Italy. The network mainly smuggled heroin, cocaine, hashish and marijuana into Germany and Spain using cars with double bottoms or secret compartments.

Last year, 21 suspects were arrested in a first operation against the same Albanian-led organised crime group (OCG). That operation also led to the seizure of drugs worth an estimated EUR 2.7 million.

Initial investigations against the OCG were launched in 2019 by the Public Prosecutor’s Office (PPO) of Florence – District Antimafia Directorate. From January 2020, the Italian and Albanian authorities of the Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK) in Tirana contacted Eurojust to coordinate cross-border judicial cooperation against this complex network. It operated from both Albania and Italy, transporting drugs by car to Spain and Germany, while other suspects were based in the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

Judicial cooperation with Albania is facilitated by Eurojust, as it is one of the 11 countries outside the EU that has a Liaison Prosecutor at the Agency. At request of the Italian and Albanian authorities, Eurojust supported the creation of dedicated joint investigation teams between the PPO of Florence and SPAK and provided financial, logistic and operational support.

The Agency organised coordination meetings to prepare for today’s major action. It also set up a coordination centre to enable judicial cooperation with all national authorities involved during the action day.

Europol has been supporting the case since 2020. Its experts provided extensive analytical support and expertise on Albanian organised crime, enabling the identification of key targets and the mapping of their criminal activities across Europe. Two Europol officers were deployed on the ground in Albania and Italy during the action day to support the national authorities in their investigative measures.

The operation was carried out on the ground at the request of and with support from the following authorities:

  • Italy: Public Prosecutor’s Office of Florence; Carabinieri Corps with the support of the Italian Ministry of Internal Affairs – International Police Cooperation Service (SCIP)
  • Albania: National Public Prosecutor’s Office – Special Anti-Corruption Structure (SPAK); Albanian State Police, General Directorate
  • Germany: Public Prosecutor General’s Office in Naumburg; Public Prosecutor’s Office in Dessau-Roßlau; State Criminal Office Magdeburg
  • Spain: Antidrug Public Prosecutor’s Office at Audiencia Nacional; Central Court num.4 at Audiencia Nacional in collaboration with Investigative Court num.2 of Barcelona; FAST Spain of Policia Nacional
  • United Kingdom: The National Extradition Unit (NEU) of the Joint International Crime Centre’s (JICC)

Azerbaijan – Eurojust cooperation

On February 2, Ambassador Rahman Mustafayev of the Republic of Azerbaijan to the Kingdom of the Netherlands met with Ladislav Hamran, the President of Eurojust, the European Union Agency for Criminal Justice Cooperation.

During the meeting, both parties exchanged views on cooperation with the organization and discussed several other mutual interests. They also emphasized the importance of collaboration in legal assistance for criminal cases.

Mechanism President Gatti Santana concludes mission to Strasbourg

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Strasbourg, 30 January 2024 – The President of the International Residual Mechanism for Criminal Tribunals (Mechanism), Judge Graciela Gatti Santana, concluded today a two-day mission to Strasbourg. During her mission, she met with high-level officials of the Council of Europe, including the President of the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR), Judge Síofra O’Leary, the Registrar of the ECHR, Dr. Marialena Tsirli, the Secretary General of the Council of Europe, Ms. Marija Pejčinović Burić, the Commissioner for Human Rights, Ms. Dunja Mijatović, and the Head of Division at the Secretariat of the European Committee for the Prevention of Torture and Inhuman or Degrading Treatment or Punishment (CPT), Mr. Hugh Chetwynd.

During these meetings, President Gatti Santana had the opportunity to brief her interlocutors on the current focus of the Mechanism following the completion of core crimes cases, and the complex challenges the Mechanism shares with the Council of Europe in relation to strengthening the rule of law, promoting transitional justice, fighting hate speech, and securing State cooperation in a range of matters such as the enforcement of sentences and the arrests of persons accused in contempt cases. She also emphasised the importance of developing strong counter-narratives to combat the rise of genocide denial and revisionism during this phase of the Mechanism’s lifespan, and explained the Mechanism’s efforts to reach out to youth in the affected areas through teaching and learning opportunities.

The President further pointed to the fact that the Mechanism, being the international criminal tribunal with the highest number of convicted persons under its supervision, faces a shortage of States willing to accept convicted persons primarily due to limitations imposed by the legislation of many States on their enforcement capability beyond a certain number of years, which is in line with ECHR jurisprudence. She also expressed her gratitude for the support of the Council of Europe’s CPT to the Mechanism through inspections of prisons in certain enforcement States, and stressed the importance of collaborating closely.

Finally, President Gatti Santana and the Council of Europe officials exchanged views and best practices on securing State cooperation in the context of judicial activities, ensuring that international standards are upheld in the context of the execution of sentences, including in view of the specific needs of older prisoners, guaranteeing judicial independence and impartiality, managing large judicial records, and preserving the legacy as a way to bolster reconciliation prospects for future generations.

Namibia Mourns the Passing of President Hage G. Geingob

In a somber announcement that has reverberated across the nation, Namibia bids farewell to one of its most esteemed leaders, His Excellency Dr. Hage G. Geingob, President of the Republic of Namibia. Dr. Geingob’s passing on Sunday, the 4th of February 2024, has left the country in mourning, as he transitioned at approximately 00:04 while under the care of his medical team at Lady Pohamba Hospital. Beside him were his devoted wife, Madame Monica Geingos, and his children, sharing in the final moments of a remarkable life.

President Geingob’s departure marks the end of an era. Throughout his tenure, President Geingob stood as a beacon of hope and progress, embodying the spirit of Namibia’s liberation struggle and spearheading the nation’s journey toward prosperity and unity.

H.E. Dr. Nangolo Mbumba, Acting President of the Republic of Namibia, calls upon all Namibians to remain composed and united during this time of grief. The government is diligently attending to all necessary state arrangements, preparations, and protocols, with further announcements expected in due course.