Statement of H.E. Ms. Elina Valtonen, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Finland on the announcement of the Prosecutor of the ICC to apply for warrants of arrest related to the situation in the State of Palestine

Finland is firmly committed to the rule-based international order and international law. Accountability for serious violations of international law, including individual criminal responsibility of those most responsible, is a key component of lasting international peace. The International Criminal Court (ICC) has a central role in combatting impunity, complementing national jurisdictions.

I have taken note of the announcement by the Prosecutor of the ICC to apply for warrants of arrest related to the ongoing investigation in the situation in the State of Palestine. It is now for the Pre-Trial Chamber of the Court to consider the evidence and analysis presented by the Prosecutor.

Applying for several warrants of arrest conjointly in the same investigation is a standard legal practice. Therefore, it cannot be viewed as equating the leaders of Israel and Hamas. A parallel between democratically elected government leaders and the leadership of a terrorist organization would be unaccetable.

Finland stands by the ICC as an independent and impartial court of law. The ICC must to be allowed to carry out its mandate without fear or favor.