The former President of the Republic of Ghana, H.E. Jerry J. Rawlings, paid a private visit to the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda on 22 February 2005. Mr. Rawlings, accompanied by his wife, held discussions with the President of the Tribunal, Judge Erik Møse and the Registrar of the Tribunal, Mr. Adama Dieng.

The two senior officials of the Tribunal explained the Tribunal’s work to Mr. Rawlings. President Erik Møse presented the Tribunal and its work, in particular that of the Trial Chambers. He also outlined the completion strategy of the Tribunal.

Mr. Dieng stressed the importance of Mr. Rawlings’ visit. He wanted the visitor to acquaint himself with the realities of the Tribunal so that he could become an advocate for the Tribunal and for promoting a better understanding of its work to the international community.

Mr. Rawlings and his delegation visited a courtroom, the ICTR Library and the judicial archives.

At the end of his visit, Mr. Rawlings answered questions posed by journalists and expressed his satisfaction with the performance of the Tribunal. He mentioned that he would have no objection to the referral of cases of human rights violations to a court based in Arusha, if that is the best option available. Mr. Rawlings emphasized that he has no problem with where the trials are held as long as there is the right atmosphere, competent personnel and adequate facilities for justice to be done as quickly as possible.