George W. Bush Visit to Geneva Cancelled Amid International Pressure

Chairwoman Hautala observed today with delight that in Switzerland the international community can have a truly strong partner in upholding the norms of international law and human rights.[:]

 

 

7th of February 2011

 

Dear Ms Micheline Calmy-Rey, President of the Swiss Confederation, 

 

I am writing to you concerning the reported plan of a visit of the former President of the United States, Mr George W. Bush, to Geneva on 12th of February 2011 and its subsequent cancellation. With delight I have observed that in Switzerland the international community can have a truly strong partner in upholding the norms of international law and human rights.

 

Under domestic and international law, in particular the UN Convention against Torture, it is mandatory that a country initiate an investigation against any person believed having committed, authorized or otherwise condoned torture should this person be present in their jurisdiction. Within this framework, Switzerland, as a State Party to UN Convention against Torture since 2nd of December 1986, on Civil and Political Rights since 18th of June 1992 and to Rome Statue since 12th of October 2001, has accepted a legal, positive obligation to investigate and make efforts to bring those responsible to justice for these violations and I am most pleased to see these norms respected.

 

Finally, I would like to express my trust that you would be in agreement with me in considering that the above mentioned legal obligations, and the amount and gravity of evidence concerning the aforementioned abuses, warrant due and prompt consideration by the authorities in any situation merited by these international and domestic judicial norms.

 

Yours,

 

Heidi Hautala

Chairwoman of European Parliament Subcommittee on Human Rights

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