ICC - Visite du président du Parlement européen (en anglais uniquement)

Visite du président du Parlement européen (en anglais uniquement)

ICC-CPI-20031112-41

Image President Philippe Kirsch (left) and Registrar Bruno Cathala (right) with the President of the European Parliament Mr. Pat Cox during his official visit to the ICC.

 The President of the European Parliament, Mr. Pat Cox visited today the International Criminal Court (ICC) and held talks with the President of the Court, Judge Philippe Kirsch; the Prosecutor, Mr. Luis Moreno-Ocampo and the Registrar, Mr. Bruno Cathala.

President Kirsch welcomed Mr. Cox and thanked him for the prominent role played by the European Parliament and in particular by Mr. Cox in leading the way in supporting the ICC.  

“I would like to express my gratitude for the prominent role played by the European Parliament and in particular by you, Mr. President in leading the way in ratifying the Rome Statute, and promoting and defending the ICC,” President Kirsch said.  President Kirsch also informed Mr. Cox about the current status of progress that has been made in setting up the Court. The ongoing plenary meeting of the judges, the draft regulations of the Court, the challenges faced by the ICC, were amongst the topics of discussion. President Kirsch reiterated that the ICC will demonstrate the fairness and effectiveness of its proceedings, and at the same time, will operate transparently. Relevant areas of cooperation between the ICC and the European Parliament were also discussed. 

Mr. Cox met also with the Prosecutor. He was informed of the current structure of the Office the Prosecutor, and ongoing activities related to complementarity and investigations. Mr. Moreno-Ocampo updated him on the analysis with regard to the occurrence of crimes in Ituri, Democratic Republic of Congo. This situation has been identified by his Office as the most urgent situation to be followed.   

The Registrar, Mr. Bruno Cathala updated President Cox of the current structure of the Registry and the key challenges to be met in building an institution able to provide a high quality of justice, guaranteeing fair trials without undue delay and ensuring the rights of defence, victims and witnesses.

Mr. Cox reiterated the commitment of the European Parliament to the International Criminal Court and expressed his willingness to continue strengthening the links between the two institutions.  He underlined the fact that the European Parliament has strongly supported the ICC and will continue to do so and will urge the EU Member States as well as the other EU institutions (Council and Commission) to further promote the Court.