In the absence of an international criminal court, the Security Council acted to establish two ad hoc international tribunals, for the former Yugoslavia and for Rwanda. These tribunals have made significant progress and are setting an important precedent. War criminals can and will be brought to justice. They cannot complete their task, however, without the swift and complete arrest of all indicted criminals. I would like to use this occasion, once again, to call on all countries concerned to surrender suspects within their jurisdiction.
True justice demands no less.
May I also take this occasion to applaud strongly the frank and candid appeals made by my friend United States Secretary of State Madeleine Albright on the subject of war crimes during her recent visit to the Balkans. Peace and justice are indivisible. The international criminal court is the symbol of our highest hopes for this unity of peace and justice. It is a vital part of an emerging system of international human rights protection. It will ensure that indicted criminals suspected of genocide in any country can be tried and convicted.