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On 26 January the President of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court, H.E. Ambassador Christian Wenaweser, ended his three day visit to Addis Abeba. This visit was part of his efforts to enhance dialogue and facilitate exchange of views with the African Union Commission (AUC), with African and other States Parties to the Rome Statute, as well as the United Nations in Addis Abeba. During his visit, the President held fruitful bilateral and group meetings with a number of interlocutors including the African Union Commission Chairperson, H.E. Mr. Jean Ping, Assistant Secretary-General, the Head of the United Nations Office to the African Union; H.E. Zachary Muburi-Muita, and the Head of the European Delegation to the African Union, Ambassador Koen Vervaeke. He also met with several African and European States Parties representatives based in Addis Abeba.
Amongst others, President Wenaweser and his interlocutors reviewed the evolving situations in some African countries including Cote d’Ivoire and Kenya where the Court is seen as playing a crucial role in ending impunity and contributing to enhancing lasting peace. The President expressed his belief that joint efforts by the international community to end impunity remain crucial for the advancement of peace, development and protection of human rights throughout the world and that the ICC and the cooperation of States Parties with it play a critical role in this respect.
Regarding other ICC related issues, the President briefed some of his interlocutors on the latest developments at the Court, including the beginning of the trial of Mr. Jean Pierre Bemba, as well as the continuation of the trial of Thomas Lubanga Dialo which is expected to finish during the first half of 2011. He also referred to the recent arrival in The Hague, of Mr. Callixte Mbarushimana who is alleged to have committed crimes in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
The President also briefed his interlocutors on the process for the election of the next Prosecutor, due to take office in June 2012, and informed them of the establishment of a search committee by the Bureau of the Assembly. This Committee will have the task of consulting widely on suitable candidates for the position in order to facilitate the decision by the Assembly during its tenth session in December 2011.
For additional information about the visit, please send an email to: [email protected].