SECRETARY-GENERAL SAYS CHARLES TAYLOR TRIAL CONTRIBUTES TO FIGHT

 

AGAINST IMPUNITY, STRENGTHENS RULE OF LAW WORLDWIDE

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomed today the start of the trial of Charles Taylor, the former President of Liberia, by the Special Court for Sierra Leone sitting in The Hague.  This is an important day for the international community, contributing to the fight against impunity and the strengthening of the rule of law, not only in West Africa, but in the world as a whole.

The trial of Charles Taylor is a significant move towards peace and reconciliation in Sierra Leone and in the region.

The Secretary-General thanks all States for their assistance and contributions to the important work of the Special Court, and encourages their continued support to ensure the successful completion of its mandate.

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For information media • not an official record