OCCUPIED AL-QUDS, (ST)_ “The State of Palestine submitted its Observations to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in relation to the Prosecutor’s Request for a determination on the scope of the Court’s territorial jurisdiction in the Situation in the State of Palestine, (and pursuant to the Order of the Pre-Trial Chamber of 28 January 2020.), according to a press release by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Expatriates.
The ministry added that it recognizes that the Court plays important role in bringing justice to the most serious crimes of concern to the international community.
It continued: “The State of Palestine looks forward to an expeditious ruling from the Pre-Trial Chamber I, in accordance with the Chambers Practice Manual which sets a time frame of 120 days, preventing any further delay in the Prosecutor’s opening of an investigation into the Situation in the State of Palestine.
“The State of Palestine stands by the independent nature of the Court, a pillar of the rule of law. Protecting its independence is a responsibility all States have towards ensuring universal transparent standards of justice. The situation in Palestine remains the ultimate test of the Court’s impartiality as well as the State Parties’ commitment to the universality of international justice.
“Finally, the State of Palestine reaffirms its solid commitment to upholding its legal obligations as a State Party to the Rome Statute and will continue to fully cooperate with the Court,” the press release concluded.
source: WAFA