Inaugural ceremony of ICC

Alternate Foreign Minister Tassos Giannitsis made the following statement while representing Greece at the inaugural ceremony of the International Criminal Court:

"I feel personally that it is a privilege for me to represent my country on this very important occasion. It is crucially important that our countries - which have joined together in the fight against war crimes, genocide and crimes against humanity - undertake the commitment, with the support of this new institution, that they will not hesitate to place themselves before the Court's judgement, thereby providing substantive confirmation of their determination never to commit the actions which they are condemning.

This occasion marks a very important achievement for the international community. After many years of efforts, we now have an institution which can contribute to the fight against the most serious crimes as well as help prevent them, thus strengthening the implementation of international law and thereby consolidating international peace and security which are basic principles of the United Nations Charter.

The European Union has undertaken the commitment, as a principle, to support international institutions that defend human rights and facilitate the peaceful co-existence of peoples. For this reason, the EU fully supports the International Criminal Court. I am convinced that its objective and trustworthy operation will encourage the participation of even more states, thereby enhancing the Court's international identity."

| Arriba |

• EUHR Solana's address to the EP (18/6/2003)
• EU welcomes Inauguration of the ICC (11/3/2003)
• EU Presidency declaration on the ICC (10/3/2003)