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Armenian Foreign Minister Ararat Mirzoyan on Monday delivered the following remarks at the 23nd Session of the Assembly of States Parties to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC):

“It is the first time the representative of the Republic of Armenia addresses the Session of the Assembly as a full-fledged member to the Rome Statute. So, we are making our first steps on this path, but we are ready to play an active role. The milestone decision to become a member of this august body was not an easy one. But having in mind the history of Armenia, we were firm in our belief that elimination of impunity, promotion of justice and accountability is of utmost importance and that it can only be achieved by uniting our efforts.

We believe that the International Criminal Court is an important element of international law. It also enhances the development of international law and makes it more appropriate to the present-day challenges. And, perhaps most importantly, it delivers justice to the victims of atrocities, which is a vital element for peace and reconciliation. Therefore, Armenia fully acknowledges and accepts the responsibility to actively contribute to the strengthening and advancement of the Court.

(…) It is imperative that like-minded countries spare no effort to prevent and punish the gravest crimes, that challenge humanity: genocide, war crimes, crimes against humanity, and aggression. We have already witnessed too many instances when the early warning and early actions are undermined by narrow political interests, paralyzing effective functioning of international bodies directly responsible for maintenance of international peace and security. In this regard, strengthening the prevention mechanisms, such as early warning capabilities along with the deterring potential of the international courts, in particular International Criminal Court, can lead us to a safer world.”