CHIEF PROSECUTOR FOR INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT TO BE SWORN IN ON 16 JUNE

(Reissued as received.)

THE HAGUE, 23 May (ICJ) – On 16 June, in an open session of the International Criminal Court (ICC), the elected Chief Prosecutor, Luis Moreno Ocampo (Argentina), will be sworn in.  The session is to be held in the Great Hall of Justice of the Peace Palace, in The Hague.  It will commence at 2 p.m., lasting until approximately 4 p.m.

Mr. Moreno Ocampo was elected in April 2003 by the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the ICC.  His solemn undertaking will be witnessed by the President of the Assembly of States Parties, Prince Zeid Ra’ad Zeid Al-Hussein of Jordan.

In March 2003, 18 judges, among them seven women, took their oath, and the same day Philippe Kirsch (Canada) was elected President, and Elizabeth Odio Benito (Costa Rica) and Akua Kuenyehia (Ghana) Vice-presidents of the Court.

It is envisaged that the Registrar of the Court will be elected in June 2003 by the Judges.  Once elected, all the principal officers of the Court will be in place for the first time since the Rome Statute entered into force on 1 July 2002.

During the open session, statements will be delivered by the President of the Assembly of States Parties, the President of the ICC, the Chief Prosecutor, as well as representatives of the defence and victims.

The President of the Assembly of States Parties of the Rome Statute, the President of the ICC and the Chief Prosecutor, will hold a press conference at The Hague Academy of International Law, Peace Palace, after the ceremony.

Seminar

On 17 and 18 June, a seminar will take place in the building of The Hague Academy of International Law (by the Peace Palace).  The event, convened by the Chief Prosecutor, aims at engaging leading experts in the field of international criminal justice in an open discussion on key policy questions facing the Office of the Prosecutor as it commences operation.  Thus, all media representatives are kindly invited to attend the hearing, and may intervene to address specific agenda points.

On 18 June 2003, the Chief Prosecutor will hold a press conference in the building of The Hague Academy of International Law (Peace Palace), at approximately 12:30 p.m., to present the preliminary outcomes of the seminar.

The Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court entered into force on

1 July 2002, when the number of ratifications passed the necessary number of 60.  The Court is competent to try cases of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes, and is complementary to national legal systems.  As at 23 May 2003, there are 90 States Parties to the Statute of the International Criminal Court.

Note for editors (Not for publication)

Accreditation for the solemn undertaking of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court can be obtained from Lidy Groot Congress Events (tel.:  +31 (0)20 679 3218; fax:  +31 (0) 20 675 8326).

Journalists should send a letter of assignment on official letterhead of the media organisation from the Publisher/Assignment Editor or Bureau Chief.  It should specify the name and functional title of the journalist, photographers and camera crews who will be assigned to cover the event.

Independent production companies are also required to provide a letter from their broadcast organization.

Journalists must present a valid press card with photograph and the letter of accreditation provided by the ICC.  Please note that only journalists holding press credentials issued by the organizers of this event will be admitted.

A media centre and a remote viewing site will be arranged in the building of The Hague Academy of International Law (Peace Palace).  Radio and video feed boxes will be available.  Please be sure to bring with you standard equipment for connectivity.

Note

1. Deadline to submit requests for accreditation is Wednesday 4 June 2003.

2. A limited number of places are available for newspaper journalists at the Great Hall of Justice of the Peace Palace.

3. A pool will be organized for photographers.

4. Accreditation will be provided by 6 June.

Scheduled Press Conferences

Monday 16 June 2003, after the solemn undertaking, in the building of The Hague Academy of International Law (Peace Palace).  Participants:  President of the Assembly of States Parties, President of the ICC, and Chief Prosecutor.

Wednesday 18 June 2003, 12:30 p.m. in the building of The Hague Academy of International Law (Peace Palace).  Participant:  Chief Prosecutor.

For information about the ICC, contact:  Claudia Perdomo, Office of Public Information; tel.:  +31 70 515 8514; fax:  +31 70 515 8555, e-mail:  claudia.perdomo@icc-cpi.int.  For more information about the accreditation process, contact:  Jennifer Resida, Lidy Groot Congress Events; tel.:  +31 (0) 20 679 3218; mobile:  +31 (0) 6 224 69 294.  For more information about the video and radio arrangements, contact:  René Kloek, Heuvelman Sound and Vision; tel.:  +31 (0) 30 248 81 11; mobile:  +31 (0) 6 224 69 294.