INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL TRIBUNAL FOR RWANDA (ICTR)-

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 000507 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: KAWC KJUS PREF PREL ZF RW SUBJECT: INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL TRIBUNAL FOR RWANDA (ICTR)- RWANDA'S PROSECUTOR GENERAL NGOGA DISCUSSES COMPLETION STRATEGY ¶1. Amb. Gerald Scott, USUN Senior Area Adviser for Africa,and USUN Legal Adviser Carolyn Willson met on June 21 with Rwanda's Prosecutor General Martin Ngoga and the GOR's representative to the ICTR, Mutabingwa Alloys, at their request, to discuss Rwanda's role in the ICTR's completion strategy. Ngoga was in New York to address the Security Council on June 18 and to meet with Council members to convey Rwanda's views on the process of winding up the Tribunal. Ngoga thanked the U.S. (as he had done in his public statement) for assistance with capacity building and noted that an American NGO is working to organize a donor's conference. ¶2. Ngoga also raised the issue of ICTR fugitives and the Security Council's role in bringing them to justice. He noted a recent arrest in Philadelphia and several in Europe, but said that European states have not yet acted to extradite detainees that they hold to Rwanda. Ngoga said Council assistance is needed to oblige member states to arrest fugitives and extradite them to Rwanda. ¶3. The Legal Adviser noted the timeliness of the meeting since the Council members are just beginning discussions with Tribunal officials on steps to be taken to prepare for closing the Tribunals. It was clear, she said, that Rwandan judicial authorities have a key role to play during this period and their input is important. She urged Ngoga to provide points in writing to members of the Council and to continue a dialogue as discussion of "legacy" issues progresses. This could be done on a bilateral basis or by participation in the informal meetings which are taking place in New York between Council members and representative of interested states (Netherlands, Tanzania). ¶4. Comment. These Rwanda jurists made an impressive presentation. They are deeply engaged and have obviously given careful consideration to Rwanda's role in the post ICTR period. Their perspective is well informed and their input important. USUN will encourage other Council members to include Rwandan representatives in plans for future work on Tribunal issues. End Comment. WOLFF