03/04/2012 (Agence Europe) - Ashton congratulates Guatemala on signing up to the Rome Statute of the ICC. On Tuesday 3 April, the EU high representative for foreign affairs “warmly” welcomed Guatemala's accession to the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) on Monday and emphasised that she is convinced that Guatemala will make a highly valuable contribution to the work of the court. Catherine Ashton explained that she hoped that “Guatemala's accession will encourage other countries, in particular in Central America, to ratify the Statute. Without universal participation of all states, the Court will not be able to fulfil its role as a key instrument in combating impunity when the most serious crimes are committed.” She also pointed out that the ICC has a significant role to play in preventing and deterring these crimes. (CG/transl.fl)