ICC report “objective, fair” – Sudanese minister

Dec 14, 2005 (KHARTOUM) — Minister of Justice Mohamed Ali al-Mardi has described the report presented by the prosecutor-general of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to the UN Security Council as objective and fair.

Speaking to SUNA, the minister commended the fair report presented by ICC prosecutor-general, pointing to the government’s readiness to cooperate with ICC and at the same time adhere to its position that the national judiciary is capable of trying all cases and that Sudan is keen to try those who committed these crimes.

The ICC report said the Sudanese government has taken a series of measures to address the situations in its western Darfur region and constituted a special court to try war criminals.

Acknowledging Sudan’s cooperation, the report still called for further positive steps to be taken.

The Sudanese government also agreed to receive a representative from the prosecutor’s office in February to ensure that courts in Darfur apply the international law, the report added.

Sudanese Attorney General Salah-eddin Abu Zaid said the ICC report showed that the Sudanese government is serious on the issue of Darfur and that the government has exerted all efforts to investigate criminal suits there.

The minister described the report of the prosecutor-general as a strong below to the biased Human Rights Watch organization.

(ST)