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European Commission urges Mongolia to arrest Putin during visit

03.09.2024 10:00
The European Commission has urged Mongolia to arrest Russian President Vladimir Putin, who arrived in the country on Tuesday.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh (L) attend a welcome ceremony in Sukhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, 03 September 2024.
Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh (L) attend a welcome ceremony in Sukhbaatar Square in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, 03 September 2024. EPA/KRISTINA KORMILITSYNA / SPUTNIK / KREMLIN POOL

Putin is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague on charges of illegal deportation of Ukrainian children from occupied territories and forced Russification.

"We have conveyed our concerns about the visit and made our position clear," European Commission spokesperson Nabila Massrali said, reiterating the EU's support for the ICC's ongoing investigation in Ukraine. "We call on all states to cooperate with the tribunal," she added.

This visit marks Putin's first trip to a country that recognizes the ICC's jurisdiction since the arrest warrant was issued more than a year ago.

In August, Putin canceled a planned visit to South Africa after the country, facing international pressure, confirmed it would honor its obligations under international law.

The European Union and the ICC have no direct means to enforce the arrest warrant, but the Commission's appeal adds pressure on Mongolia, which is a signatory to the ICC's founding Rome Statute.

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Source: IAR