Secretary-General emphasizes independence of International Criminal Court,

 

as prosecutor requests arrest warrant for sudan’s president

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General was informed that the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has asked the Court to issue an arrest warrant for the President of Sudan.

The Secretary-General emphasizes that the Court is an independent institutionand that the United Nations must respect the independence of the judicial process.  The United Nations peacekeeping operations in Sudan will continue to conduct their important work in an impartial manner, cooperating in good faith with all partners so as to further the goal of peace and stability in the country.  The United Nations will also continue its vital humanitarian and development work there.

The Secretary-General expects that the Government of Sudan will continue to cooperate fully with the United Nations in Sudan, while fulfilling its obligation to ensure the safety and security of all United Nations personnel and property.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record