ICC President visits Armenia

Prosecutor General of Armenia Anna Vardapetyan held a meeting in Yerevan with President of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Tomoko Akane.

According to a readout, Prosecutor General Anna Vardapetyan welcomed President Tomoko Akane and emphasized that this is the first time a sitting President of the International Criminal Court has visited Armenia, which demonstrates the commitment to developing and deepening cooperation between Armenia and the ICC.

On February 1, 2024, Armenia became a member of the International Criminal Court, joining the Rome Statute as the 124th State Party and the 19th state from the Eastern European group.

During the meeting, the parties highlighted the importance of advancing bilateral cooperation and strengthening institutional partnership, particularly in the context of enhancing prosecutors’ capacities in the investigation of international crimes. Among other issues, they also discussed matters related to the collection of evidence in criminal proceedings, as well as the protection of victims and witnesses.

Vardapetyan expressed interest in implementing joint training programs with the International Criminal Court, expanding technical cooperation, and developing mechanisms for the exchange of experience. The importance of a victim-centered approach in criminal proceedings was also emphasized.

Vardapetyan and Akane reaffirmed their readiness to develop effective and transparent mechanisms of cooperation and to continue constructive dialogue.

Armenian Ambassador to the Netherlands Viktor Biyagov, Chef de Cabinet at the Office of the ICC President Hirad Abtahi, and others also participated in the meeting.