Tanzania ’s Head of State, H.E. President Jakaya Kikwete today met with the ICTR President, Judge Erik Møse; the Prosecutor, Justice Hassan B. Jallow; and the Registrar, Mr. Adama Dieng at the outskirts of Arusha.

The ICTR representatives expressed their appreciation that the Tanzanian President gave priority to such a meeting so early in his presidency. They stressed the important contribution of Tanzania as the host country of the Tribunal and currently also as a member of the Security Council. The main focus of the meeting was various aspects of the Tribunal’s Completion Strategy, including the progress of trials, the need to apprehend fugitives at large, and future use of the ICTR premises after the completion of the Tribunal’s work. The Tanzanian President assured the Tribunal of the continued co-operation of his country and its full support to the Completion Strategy.

The Tribunal has completed cases involving twenty-seven accused since the first trials started in January 1997, whereas cases involving twenty-seven accused are on-going. Fifteen accused are awaiting trial.

The Security Council has decided that the two ad hoc Tribunals in Arusha and The Hague shall complete all trials by 2008, and all appeals by 2010. The ICTR is on schedule to respect this deadline and expects that between sixty-five and seventy accused will have their cases completed by the end of 2008.