ICC - ICC meets with Rwandan Minister of Justice

ICC meets with Rwandan Minister of Justice

ICC-CPI-20100128-PR492

Image President Sang-Hyun Song with the Minister of Justice of Rwanda, Tharcisse Karugarama © ICC-CPI

On 27 January, 2010, senior officials of the International Criminal Court (ICC) met with the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of Rwanda, Tharcisse Karugarama, accompanied by the Rwandan Ambassador to the Netherlands, Jean Pierre Bizimana, at the seat of the Court, in The Hague. During the meeting the President of the ICC, Judge Sang-Hyun Song, inquired about the prospects of the Republic of Rwanda acceding to the Rome Statute.

After reiterating the principle of states’ sovereignty in deciding whether or not to become a State Party, President Song underlined the Court’s commitment to assist in any appropriate way to ensure that the government and people of Rwanda become familiar with its mandate. He also invited Rwanda to send their representatives, and to contribute to greater discussions on the Rome Statute during the Review Conference held in Kampala, Uganda, from 31 May to 11 June, this year.

The Prosecutor, Luis Moreno-Ocampo, and the Registrar, Silvana Arbia, also held meetings with the Rwandan high representatives.

For further information please contact Ms Sonia Robla, Head of Public Information and Documentation Section, at +31 (0)70 515-8089 or +31 (0) 6 46 44 87 26 or at [email protected]