02/07/2012 (Agence Europe) - 10th anniversary of entry into force of Rome Statute. On 1 July, the high representative of the EU for foreign affairs welcomed the 10th anniversary of the entry into force of the Rome Statute instituting the International Criminal Court and reiterated that the EU is “encouraging the widest possible participation in the Rome Statute as universal accession is essential to ensure the full effectiveness of the Court”. Since it was created, the Court “has established itself as the principal forum for international criminal justice”, Catherine Ashton added. States which are party to the Rome Statute number 121. Fifteen cases have so far been brought before the court, of which six are currently at the trial stage. The Court issued its first verdict earlier this year. (CG/transl.fl)