In its decision issued on 5 November 1999, the Appeals Chamber of the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda concluded that a combination of delays in the pre-trial stage of the case against the accused must result in the dismissal of the charges against him.

Although procedural deficiencies have been highlighted in several areas of responsibility, not all of which are the primary concern of the Prosecutor, the Judges have strongly criticized the Office of the Prosecutor for lack of diligence in the prosecution of the case. As the new Prosecutor, I take such expressions of criticism most seriously, and with much regret. I will this month pay my first visit to my office in Rwanda, and intend to stay as long as necessary to examine the circumstances of this case.

I wish to stress my commitment to the highest standards of conduct and fairness before each of the International Tribunals.

Where lessons are to be learned, I will take appropriate measures, and will do all I can to ensure that Prosecution of other case fare conducted with proper dispatch in future.