New York, 21 September 1999
54th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations
Address by the President of the Council of the European Union
H.E. Ms. Tarja HALONEN
Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland
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b) International law
In conflict situations it is essential to respect the rules and principles of International Humanitarian Law. The celebrations of the 50th Anniversary of the four Geneva Conventions was a timely reminder that the Conventions are still necessary today. The European Union stresses the importance of full compliance with their provisions.
We also note the issuance of the Secretary-General's Bulletin on Observance by the United Nations Forces of International Humanitarian Law.
The Statute of the International Criminal Court lays the foundation to fight impunity for the most heinous crimes. The European Union is committed to the early entry into force of the Rome Statute, and to an effective International Criminal Court. The number of signatories as well as the first ratifications are encouraging. We urge all States to sign and to ratify the Statute.
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