President Zuma congratulates Justice Richard Goldstone.

Pretoria – President Jacob Zuma today, Monday 01 June 2009 congratulated Justice Richard Goldstone on being the recipient of the prestigious MacArthur Foundation Award for International Justice.

President Jacob Zuma described Justice 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.”

President Zuma added “We welcome this public acknowledgment 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”, noted President 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, concluded President Zuma.

Justice Goldstone is the second recipient of this award as former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan received the award last year. 

Issued by Nomfanelo Kota on 082 459 3787

Department of International Relations and Cooperation
Private Bag X152
Pretoria, 0001.

01 June 2009