Mr. President,
The wars in the former Yugoslavia were
marked by horrendous crimes against international humanitarian law, often committed in the
name of the repulsive policy of "ethnic cleansing". Crimes such as mass
killings, systematic rape of women and detention under horrible circumstances,
constititute a threat to international peace and security. To prevent them from recurring,
in the Balkans or elsewhere, the persons responsible must be brought to justice. The
establishment in 1993 of the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia was an
important indication of the international community's determination to put an end to such
crimes.
The work of the International Tribunal is
also a crucial element in the broader peace implementation and reconciliation process in
the former Yugoslavia, both in the short and long term perspective. Impunity breeds
continued hate and mistrust. Rendering transparent justice brings clarity and hope for
future generations, and that is why all indicted war criminals must be brought to the
Hague.
These are the main reasons for Sweden's
strong support over the years for the work of the ICTY, both politically and
substantially.
Today, we are very pleased to see that
the work of the Tribunal has intensified. The recent increase in the number of indictees
brought into custody has been most welcome. But we must also be prepared to adapt the
resources of the Tribunal accordingly, so that the indictees can be tried without undue
delay. It has become clear that the case-load has reached a point where we need to
increase the judicial resources of the Tribunal.
Today's decision confirms the strong
support in this Council for the work and role of the International Tribunal. Having
chaired the working group dealing with the ad hoc tribunals, Sweden is particularly
gratified that the Council will be able to give a positive response today to the request
from the Tribunal. By adding a third trial chamber to the Tribunal, we will enable the
back-log of cases to be dealt with more expeditiously and the resources of the Tribunal,
including the new court rooms, to be used more effectively.
In closing, I would like to stress that
today's decision, along with the similar decision last month concerning the Rwanda
Tribunal, also highlights the need for a permanent International Criminal Court, to bring
to justice any future crimes of this nature. At the Diplomatic Conference in Rome this
summer, we must not hesitate to take the historic step of establishing such a Court.
Thank you Mr. President.
Permanent
Mission of Sweden to the United Nations