ZAGREB, 21 Nov (Hina) – The Croatian government on Thursday approved the draft Vienna Declaration, a key document outlining the general concept for establishing a special tribunal dedicated to prosecuting aggression against Ukraine, concerning Russia’s full-scale invasion of that eastern European country.

Foreign and European Affairs Minister Gordan Grlić Radman recalled that at the end of 2022, a core group of states gathered around Ukraine to explore options for ensuring accountability for crimes of aggression against Ukraine.

This initiative arose because the International Criminal Court (ICC) lacks jurisdiction over Russian aggression, as neither Russia nor Ukraine are parties to the Rome Statute, a prerequisite for ICC jurisdiction.

At a September meeting in Vienna, members of the core group, including Croatia, reached an agreement on the general framework for the special tribunal. This court will be established through an agreement with the Council of Europe.

The Core Group is expected to discuss the draft statute of the court at future meetings.

The government has tasked the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs and the Ministry of Justice, Public Administration, and Digital Transformation with coordinating and implementing activities arising from the Vienna Declaration.

“As a signatory to the Rome Statute and a nation committed to the fight against impunity, Croatia joined the Core Group in February 2023,” stated the government.

The Core Group now comprises 41 participating states and includes support from the European Union, NATO, and the Council of Europe.