Dáil Éireann díospóireacht -
Wednesday, 20 Apr 1994

Vol. 441 No. 6

Written Answers. - War Crimes Tribunal.

Trevor Sargent

Ceist:

78 Mr. Sargent asked the Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs if his attention has been drawn to the fact that the work of the war crimes tribunal in former Yugoslavia is being hampered by a lack of funds; if he intends to contribute towards its funding; and if he will make a statement on the matter.

Tánaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs (Mr. Spring)

I share the Deputy's concern that the International Tribunal for the Prosecution of Persons Responsible for Serious Violations of International Humanitarian Law in the territory of the former Yugoslavia since 1991 be enabled to proceed with its vital work. There has been a number of positive developments since my reply to a parliamentary question on this subject on 7 October 1993.

The tribunal has held two sessions to date at its seat in the Hague from 17-30 November 1993 and from 17 January-11 February 1994. At the first session, the eleven judges elected Judge Antonio Cassese of Italy as President. During its recent session, the Tribunal adopted rules of procedure and of evidence. The next session is scheduled to begin on 25 April 1994.

With regard to the funding of the Tribunal, the United Nations General Assembly adopted a resolution on 14 April 1994 authorising the Secretary-General to enter into commitments for up to 11 million dollars for the period 1 January-31 December 1994.

The General Assembly also authorised the Secretary-General to sign a lease for the premises of the Tribunal and to ensure that it is provided with adequate facilities and necessary staff resources. The Secretary-General has stated his belief that these measures will provide the Tribunal with the necessary foundation for its effective operation.

The question of how the amount of 11 million dollars and future funding will be apportioned among the member states has been deferred to the 49th session of the General Assembly next autumn. This will not however adversely affect the financing of the Tribunal in the interim. Together with its partners in the European Union, Ireland will continue to urge that the Tribunal be financed from the regular budget of the United Nations, as we believe this is the best way to ensure adequate funding of its work. European Union member states made clear their willingness to accept mandatory assessments for regular budget financing of the Tribunal during the General Assembly debate on 14 April 1994.

I informed Dáil Éireann on 2 March 1994, in reply to a question, that the Government was contributing £15,000 to the voluntary fund for the Tribunal established by the Secretary-General, as a further demonstration of the importance we attach to its work. This payment to the United Nations will be in addition to any mandatory assessment we will be required to pay in due course towards the financing of the Tribunal.