Catherine Ashton, the High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice-President of the Commission made the following statement:

"I warmly welcome the ratification of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court by the Republic of Moldova on 12 October.

This is an important step towards combating impunity for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide. At the same time it will contribute towards the deepening of our bilateral relations in the framework of the future EU-Republic of Moldova Association Agreement. I am convinced that the Republic of Moldova will make a highly valuable contribution to the Court’s work.

I would like to seize this opportunity to reiterate the European Union’s unwavering support for the Court. There has been a steady increase in the number of ratifications this year, with the Republic of Moldova’s ratification bringing the number of ICC States to 114. I trust that the Republic of Moldova’s ratification of the Rome Statute will encourage also other partners in the EU’s neighbourhood to take similar steps.”

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