Wednesday 21:19
The UK welcomes yesterday's Security Council briefing on Sudan by Luis Moreno-Ocampo, Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.
Lord Triesman, the Foreign Office Africa Minister said:
"UN Security Council Resolution 1591 referred the situation in Darfur to the ICC and called upon all parties, including the Government of Sudan to co-operate with the ICC investigation. This referral sent a strong signal to the world at large that there can be no impunity for those guilty of grave human rights abuses.
I am therefore deeply concerned to hear the recent statement by Sudan's Justice Minister, Muhammad Ali al-Mardi, that Sudan will not allow investigators from the ICC into Darfur.We expect the Government of Sudan to comply with the wishes of the international community as set out in UNSCR 1591 and cooperate fully with the ICC should it decide to visit Darfur".
The UK has also welcomed the work done by the UN Panel of Experts on Sudan as mandated by Security Council Resolution 1591, including their recent thorough report that is under consideration by the Security Committee. We are determined to make full use of the existing sanctions including imposing sanctions on individuals who have impeded the peace process, violated international humanitarian or human rights law, or committed atrocities. We, along with our EU Partners, also continue to press for the arms embargo on Darfur to be extended to the whole country.
Press Office, Downing Street (West), London SW1A 2AL
