Selaković: Preservation of fundamental values contributes to the strengthening of international law
“Commitment to the preservation of fundamental values, including freedom, equality, solidarity, tolerance, respect for human rights, respect for nature and delegated responsibilities, as essential basis on which international relations ought to be founded, at the same time contributes to the exercise and further strengthening of basic international law principles“, Minister of Justice Nikola Selaković stated today whilst participating in a panel discussion “Principles of International Law in the 21st Century: Time to Reflect on Them?“ The panel discussion was organised as part of the 4th International Legal Forum which is being held in St. Petersburg from 18 – 21 June 2014.
Selaković stressed that the Republic of Serbia was expressing commitment to the objectives and principles of the UN Charter, the UN Millennium Declaration and the 2005 World Summit Outcome Document, as well as that those principles represented the imperative of the contemporary international order. He also said that the UN Charter was a living instrument which needed further development in terms of civilisation heritage embodied in numerous international instruments.
“The attitude towards the application of international law and the rules and standards of human rights should not mirror political opportunism and balance of power to the detriment of the goals which are defined in the UN Charter being achieved“, Selaković emphasised. He added that correct interpretation and application of international law were closely connected to the activity of the UN as a universal political organisation which, by definition, ought to be the centre of coordination of collective state parties' efforts.
Speaking about the challenges of modern-day international politics, Selaković noted that fight against terrorism was the first priority and added that the Republic of Serbia was supporting the efforts to have a comprehensive convention against terrorism adopted, one that would recognise no exceptions to the rule or any “special cases“.
At the end of his elaboration, Selaković reminded everyone that Serbia would be presiding over the OSCE in 2015, during which time it would strive to contribute to the strengthening of international law principles. “This is a great responsibility for the Republic of Serbia, bearing in mind the present international tensions which we hope will be resolved peacefully, in accordance with international law“, Minister Selaković concluded.