Zuma congratulates Goldstone
2009-06-01 18:08
Johannesburg - President Jacob Zuma congratulated Mr Justice Richard Goldstone on receiving the prestigious MacArthur Foundation for International Justice Award on Monday.
Zuma described Goldstone as "an extraordinary South African who has dedicated himself to the pursuit of justice, here in South Africa and internationally".
"His contribution on the Goldstone Commission was integral to the democratic transition in South Africa," said Zuma.
Goldstone was presented with the award on May 25, the foundation's website said.
"As the first Chief Prosecutor of the Tribunals for Rwanda and the former Yugoslavia, Goldstone helped shepherd these courts, the first of their kind since Nazi war criminals were tried at Nuremberg following World War II," said the website.
"Goldstone filed charges of genocide and crimes against humanity against Bosnian Serb leaders Radovan Karadzic and Ratko Mladic for their roles in the 'ethnic cleansing' of Bosnian Muslims, as well as torture, rape, the shelling of Sarajevo, and the sacking of mosques and Catholic churches."
Prosecuted against Yugoslavia, Rwanda
Zuma said in a statement: "We welcome this public acknowledgement of his contribution to international justice and in particular his pioneering work in international criminal law as the first prosecutor for the International Criminal Tribunals for the former Yugoslavia and Rwanda.
"Justice Goldstone's invaluable contribution to international criminal justice and the fight against impunity is of great pride to all South Africans," said Zuma.
"We also welcome his recent appointment to lead the fact finding mission to investigate international human rights violations related to the recent conflict in Gaza and we are confident that he will bring the same impartiality, dedication and commitment as displayed in his illustrious career thus far."
Justice Goldstone is the second recipient of this award as former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan received the award last year.
- SAPA