The European Union has reiterated to Mongolia the importance of adhering to its obligations under international law, specifically concerning the upcoming visit of Russian President Vladimir Putin. The EU’s message centres on Mongolia’s duty to arrest Putin in line with the warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC).
This position was communicated by Nabila Massrali, the spokesperson for the European Commission, during a briefing on Monday, 2 September. The spokesperson stressed that while Mongolia is free to pursue its foreign relations in accordance with its national interests, it remains bound by its commitments as a signatory to the Rome Statute of the ICC.
“The warrant for Putin’s arrest, issued by the ICC, relates to his involvement in the unlawful deportation and transfer of thousands of Ukrainian children from temporarily occupied regions of Ukraine to Russia. Mongolia has been a state party to the Rome Statute since 2002, which entails specific legal obligations,” Massrali emphasised.
The European Union has officially communicated its concerns and stance on Putin’s visit to the Mongolian authorities through its diplomatic mission in the country. However, when questioned about the potential actions the EU might take if Mongolia fails to arrest Putin, the spokesperson declined to provide details.
Putin’s visit to Mongolia on 3 September marks the first time he will travel to a state party to the ICC since the court issued an arrest warrant for him in March 2023. According to media reports, Mongolian officials have assured Putin that they will not enforce the arrest warrant.
The EU’s call follows earlier appeals from various international bodies and governments urging Mongolia to uphold its obligations under the Rome Statute. The warrant for Putin’s arrest, issued by the ICC, is based on accusations related to war crimes, specifically the forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia. These actions are part of the broader context of Russia’s ongoing military activities in Ukraine, which have been widely condemned by the international community.
Mongolia’s position on this matter is of particular significance given its status as a member of the ICC. The Rome Statute, which established the ICC, obligates signatory states to cooperate with the court in the arrest and surrender of individuals indicted for war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide. Failure to comply with these obligations could have diplomatic and legal repercussions for Mongolia, potentially straining its relations with other ICC member states and the broader international community.
Read also:
Putin’s Visit to Mongolia: A Test of International Law and Influence
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