SECRETARY-GENERAL, NOTING PROSECUTOR’S WARRANT REQUEST, STRESSES CRITICAL

IMPORTANCE OF COMPLIANCE WITH ACTIONS OF INTERNATIONAL CRIMINAL COURT

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

The Secretary-General takes note of the request made by the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court for the issuance of arrest warrants against commanders of rebel groups in Darfur with respect to the war crimes committed on 29 September 2007 at the Haskanita base of the African Union Mission in Sudan.  The Secretary-General emphasizes that the United Nations respects the independence of the Court and its judicial process, and stresses the critical importance of full compliance by all parties to the actions of the Court.

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 to further the goal of peace and stability in the country.  The United Nations will also continue its vital humanitarian and development work there.

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For information media • not an official record