LRA demands suspension of ICC indictments to sign final deals

By Isaac Vuni

February 27, 2008 (JUBA) — As the mediators finalized preparation on the final peace deal, LRA top negotiator, David Nyekorach Matsanga, demanded for lifting or suspension of ICC indictments on LRA leaders to enable them sign the final comprehensive agreement with the government of Uganda on scheduled.

A document prepared by mediator indicated that during the transitional period, the government should urgently take the necessary steps to establish national mechanisms as provided for in Accountability and Reconciliation agreement they have signed.

The statement further said that on the basis of steps taken thus far, government of Ugandan should request the UN Security Council to adopt a resolution under chapter VII of the charter of the United Nations, requesting the International Criminal Court (ICC) to defer for a period of 12 months all investigations and prosecutions against the leaders of the LRA while the Ugandan rebels ought to fully assemble in Riikwaba following the request of the government to the Security Council.

Before the end of the transitional period the chief mediator should determine whether or not the government has established the national mechanisms or sought a deferring from the Security Council as required by the agreement. The chief mediator should similarly verify whether or not LRA has assembled in Riikwba and surfaced in Uganda in accordance with the agreement.

If upon verification, the chief mediator determines that the government has not met its obligations then would extended the transitional period for 30 days.

Meanwhile Ugandan government delegations reminded the mediators that LRA had previously failed to honor agreements harmed out by Betty Bigombe in 19994 at Pagik in Gulu District and another one in December 2004 at Paludar in Kitgum District and both of these initiatives were before the ICC indictments were issued.

Ugandan government also accused the rebel LRA of not responding to appeal made by international organizations like UNICEF and then UN Undersecretary for Humanitarian Affairs, Jan Egeland, to release all children, women, the sick and injured persons under the cessation of hostilities agreement.

Adding that there have been continued violations that include abductions, killing of civilians inside Sudan and in the Democratic Republic of Congo even within the ranks of LRA compounded with none assembling in the two designated areas of Owinykibul and Riikwaba after the signing of the cessation of hostilities agreement.

Therefore government delegations demand that LRA should assemble at designated areas, disarm, demobilize and submits itself to the jurisdiction of Uganda courts to enable government of the republic of Uganda to engage the UN Security Council on issue of ICC. LRA are due to fly to consult with their boss tomorrow.

(ST)