Meanwhile, the ICTR signed a memorandum of understanding with the Rwandan government setting out a “clear, legal basis” for UN activities in Rwanda, the UN Under-Secretary for Legal Affairs Hans Correll said. The Hirondelle news agency quoted him as saying this included the protection of visiting judges and prosecutors, functional and diplomatic immunity and protection of UN premises. He described the move as a “positive development” in relations with Kigali. Hirondelle recalled that ICTR prosecutors have been based in Kigali since 1995 and the UN has been negotiating the memorandum since then. Correll said the signing of the memorandum represented a “change of attitude” on the part of the Rwandan government.
The ICTR chief prosecutor, Louise Arbour, said the tribunal should be more visible in Rwanda and where possible, proceedings should take place in that country. “Now is the time to start looking towards the future,” she told reporters at the ICTR in Arusha, Tanzania.
This article was produced by IRIN News while it was part of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Please send queries on copyright or liability to the UN. For more information: https://shop.un.org/rights-permissions
Share this article