Equipo Nizkor - Statement by the Minister of Defense, Justice and Security of Botswana on the occasion of the Workshop on Ratification and Implementation of the Kampala Amendments (Botswana 15 & 16 April 2013).

Crime of Aggression
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15Apr13

Statement by the Minister of Defense, Justice and Security of Botswana on the occasion of the Workshop on Ratification and Implementation of the Kampala Amendments (Botswana 15 & 16 April 2013)

Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Principality of Liechtenstein, Ms. Aurelia Frick,
Honourable Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of the Republic of Botswana, Mr Phandu T.C. Skelemani
Honourable Deputy Minister of Justice and Constitutional Development of South Africa, Mr. Andries Nel
Colleagues, Honourable Ministers and Members of Parliament here Present
Excellencies Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Distinguished Guests and Workshop Participants,
Good Evening!
Once again it is my pleasure to host this reception in honour of the visiting delegations.
Let me once again reiterate my Government's and country's commitment to the noble role the ICC is playing in ensuring that humanity lives in dignity.
The ratification of the Kampala amendments this morning by my President, the President of Botswana Lt. S.K.I Khama is testimony to this.
If there is a stance that most countries agree on, it's avoidance of aggression against one other. Ironically it is sometimes the few that make the noble ideals of the many unachievable. It is however our hope that we shall ultimately achieve unanimity in principies and implementation thereof.
I have this morning listened to most comments and it gives me hope that this conference is indeed held at the right time at the right place and will achieve its objective.
Botswana is honoured to be associated with this community of states and even more, honoured and humbled to have a Motswana in the Bench of the ICC. Judge Monageng you make us proud. You are the first Vice President of the ICC and we are honoured to have produced a person of your credentials.
Minister Frik, convey our humble and sincere gratitude to the people and government of the Principality of Liechtenstein. This morning Minister Skelemani said you are a small country with a great mind. Botswana is honoured to be associated with such a great mind and hope we can only emulate you in our small strides towards influencing the international community towards achieving desirable level of human dignity and peace.
May I also thank the Global Institute for the Prevention of Aggression for the role they continue to play in bringing sanity to the world, special recognition goes to you, Don Ferencz for your personal commitment to the mission of the Institute.
Ladies and Gentlemen, allow me before I conclude to recognize Hon. Daniel David Ntenda Nsereko, Judge of the Special Tribunal for the Lebanon, we recognize you almost as one of our own having been once a resident of Botswana for more than a decade. Sir, it was an honour to be your student, if anyone of your students is not up to par it is not because of you but rather their choice.
Let me also recognize all participants, individually and collectively, without your lively participation this workshop will not be successful. I trust that tomorrow will be a continuation of the vibrant interaction as I observed today.
Ladies and Gentlemen it is not my intention to burden you with a speech this evening, but to ask you to enjoy our humble hospitality and hope it is up to your expectation.
I thank you.
Pula!

Crime of Aggression
This document has been published on 05Jun13 by the Equipo Nizkor and Derechos Human Rights. In accordance with Title 17 U.S.C. Section 107, this material is distributed without profit to those who have expressed a prior interest in receiving the included information for research and educational purposes.