10.International Criminal Tribunal for
former Yugoslavia (ICTY)
| (24456)
8157/03
—
| Council Common Position in support of the effective implementation of the mandate of the ICTY.
|
| Legal base | Article 15 EU; unanimity
|
| Document originated | 15 April 2003
|
| Deposited in Parliament | 29 April 2003
|
| Department | Foreign and Commonwealth Office
|
| Basis of consideration | Minister's letters of 31 March and 28 April 2003 and EM of 28 April 2003
|
| Previous Committee Report | None
|
| Discussed in Council | 14 April 2003 GAERC
|
| Committee's assessment | Politically important
|
| Committee's decision | Cleared
|
Background
The Minister for Europe (Mr Denis MacShane) informed us by letter
on 31 March that the UK had been leading efforts to reach agreement
on this new measure and expected a consensus on it at the April
General Affairs and External Relations Council (GAERC). It would
impose a travel ban on those who aid and abet several high-profile
persons indicted by the International Criminal Tribunal for former
Yugoslavia (ICTY). These individuals would be designated in an
annex.
According to the Minister, indictees such as Radovan
Karadzic, Ratko Mladic and Ante Gotovina have evaded justice for
many years, due in large part to the financial and practical assistance
they have received from relatives and supporters. Some indictees
are accused of horrific war crimes. Recently, Lord Ashdown, the
EU Special Representative in Bosnia, took decisive action by isolating,
financially, individuals who have been aiding Karadzic. This
move added momentum to discussions on sanctions which had been
taking place in the Council Working Group on the Western Balkans.
Political agreement on the Common Position was reached
at the April General Affairs and External Relations Council and
it was adopted by written procedure on 16 April.
The Government's view
The Minister says that Government believes that
the travel restrictions outlined in the Common Position will severely
hamper the ability of the individuals designated to harbour and
support these suspected war criminals. In order to reach agreement
in time for the 14 April GAERC, the list is limited to two individuals
but work is proceeding to extend it.
Conclusion
We note and applaud the active role taken by Lord Ashdown,
the EU Special Representative in Bosnia and Herzegovina, which
had the effect of giving momentum to this important measure.
No text was available for scrutiny
before Easter and we accepted the Minister's undertaking to submit
one as soon as it became available. We thank him for doing so
at the first opportunity, and clear the document.
|
