Mr. President,
The wars in the former Yugoslavia were marked by horrendous crimes against international humanitarian law, often committed in the name of the repulsive policy of "ethnic cleansing". Crimes such as mass killings, systematic rape of women and detention under horrible circumstances, constititute a threat to international peace and security. To prevent them from recurring, in the Balkans or elsewhere, the persons responsible must be brought to justice. The establishment in 1993 of the International Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia was an important indication of the international community's determination to put an end to such crimes.
The work of the International Tribunal is also a crucial element in the broader peace implementation and reconciliation process in the former Yugoslavia, both in the short and long term perspective. Impunity breeds continued hate and mistrust. Rendering transparent justice brings clarity and hope for future generations, and that is why all indicted war criminals must be brought to the Hague.
These are the main reasons for Sweden's strong support over the years for the work of the ICTY, both politically and substantially.
Today, we are very pleased to see that the work of the Tribunal has intensified. The recent increase in the number of indictees brought into custody has been most welcome. But we must also be prepared to adapt the resources of the Tribunal accordingly, so that the indictees can be tried without undue delay. It has become clear that the case-load has reached a point where we need to increase the judicial resources of the Tribunal.
Today's decision confirms the strong support in this Council for the work and role of the International Tribunal. Having chaired the working group dealing with the ad hoc tribunals, Sweden is particularly gratified that the Council will be able to give a positive response today to the request from the Tribunal. By adding a third trial chamber to the Tribunal, we will enable the back-log of cases to be dealt with more expeditiously and the resources of the Tribunal, including the new court rooms, to be used more effectively.
In closing, I would like to stress that today's decision, along with the similar decision last month concerning the Rwanda Tribunal, also highlights the need for a permanent International Criminal Court, to bring to justice any future crimes of this nature. At the Diplomatic Conference in Rome this summer, we must not hesitate to take the historic step of establishing such a Court.
Thank you Mr. President.