UN urges Sudan to cooperate in trying Darfur war crime suspects

KHARTOUM, Apr 2, 2005 (Xinhua) — The United Nations on Saturday called for full cooperation by the Sudanese government in implementing the UN Security Council Resolution 1593 on trying war crime suspects in Sudan’s western region of Darfur.

Spokesperson for the United Nations advance mission in Sudan (unamis) Radhia Achori.(AP).

Resolution 1593 was adopted on Thursday to refer those committing atrocities in Darfur conflict to the Hague headquartered International Criminal Court (ICC).

Radia Achouri, spokeswoman for UN special envoy to Sudan, told the Sudan News Agency (SUNA) that “the sides concerned should cooperate to realize justice by implementing the UN Security Council’s resolution.”

She said referring the Darfur suspects to the ICC was definite according to the Resolution 1593, adding that the ICC is an international mechanism that enjoys an entire credibility.

Achouri stressed that ICC would apply all relevant international rules that Sudan had approved as a member of the UN.

She confirmed that the UN resolution would attempt to realize justice to support the Sudanese peace process and to enhance confidence between all parties.

The UN official said the resolution would provide a chance for the ICC and the Sudanese organs of justice to cooperate, disclosing expected visits by the ICC members to Sudan later to discuss issues concerning means and place to try the Darfur suspects.

In response to a quest for the ICC to hold sessions on the Darfur suspects inside Sudan, Achouri said she was not sure if the rules provided within the ICC would allow for that.

Sudan’s ruling National Congress party on Friday announced its strong rejection to Resolution 1593.