Question 13 of the EP: What would be the role of the European Union vis-à-vis the International Criminal Court ?

Answer of Chris Patten: The Union has been a strong supporter of the establishment of the Tribunal. The terrible events over the last few months in Kosovo have shown again the need for an effective international criminal juridiction. In my contacts with relevant third countries, I will not fail to encourage eraly ratification of the statutes of the Tribunal.

As you know, the Community has given financial support to the International Court for former Yugoslavia for quite some years. I would expect the Commission to extend this support to the new Tribunal as soon as it is set up.