Estonian parlt planning statement in support of creation of special tribunal

TALLINN – Members of the Riigikogu foreign affairs committee on Tuesday supported a proposal to draft a statement to express support for the establishment of an international special tribunal to investigate Russia's crime of aggression against Ukraine and punish those responsible. 

The chairman of the foreign affairs committee, Marko Mihkelson, said it is the responsibility of the international community to prosecute those who  planned, prepared, instigated and executed the crime of aggression against Ukraine.

"The political and military leadership, the armed forces, the intelligence and security services of the Russian Federation have committed the most serious international crimes against the people of Ukraine, for which they must bear full personal responsibility. To this end, an international special tribunal under the auspices of the UN General Assembly must be established and its creation and launch must be a priority of Estonia's foreign policy activities," the MP said.

According to Mihkelson, members of the Riigikogu from all political groups want to finalize the text of the statement and hand it in to the Riigikogu board  next week, so that it can be adopted still before the end of the spring session. A draft statement of the Riigikogu can be submitted by at least one-fifth of the composition of the Riigikogu, meaning at least 21 MPs.

Since the beginning of last year, the Riigikogu has issued six statements and one communication condemning Russia's actions and expressing support for Ukraine. Most recently, on May 17, the parliament adopted a statement tabled by 95 MPs in support of Ukraine's wish to join NATO, as the only way to ensure a rules-based world order, lasting peace and the security of European democracies.