Statement by the spokesperson of the EU High Representative Catherine Ashton on the transfer to The Hague of Laurent Gbagbo

BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, December 1, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:

"The High Representative welcomes the transfer to The Hague of Laurent Gbagbo, former

president of Cote d'Ivoire, following an international arrest warrant issued by the International

Criminal Court.

The EU reiterates its support for the International Criminal Court in its struggle against impunity and the promotion of a law-based international order. The EU believes that human rights violations must be pursued whoever is responsible, from whichever side. Equitable justice is essential for the consolidation of peace in Côte d'Ivoire.

The European Union remains committed to supporting the efforts to achieve stabilization,

reconciliation and justice in Côte d'Ivoire, as well as the actions taken to uphold the rule of law."