On Friday, 22 June 2012, Mr. Abdelaziz Al-Hassadi, Attorney General of Libya, heading a high level Libyan delegation, visited the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague (Netherlands) where he met with the ICC President, Judge Sang-Hyun Song, the ICC Registrar Silvana Arbia, and other ICC officials to discuss the situation of the four ICC staff members held in Zintan, Libya, following their mission to visit Saif Al-islam Gaddafi, who is subject to prosecution before the ICC for alleged crimes against humanity.
During the meeting, Mr. Al-Hassadi presented to the ICC officials information regarding the visit of the four staff members to Zintan on 7 June 2012.
The ICC President thanked the Attorney General for visiting the Court. He expressed appreciation for the mutual trust confirmed in the meetings and welcomed the commitment of the Libyan authorities to cooperate fully with the ICC in accordance with United Nations Security Council resolution 1970 (2011). The President underlined the shared interest of the ICC and the Libyan authorities that Saif Al-Islam Gaddafi and Abdullah Al-Senussi should face justice.
The ICC takes very seriously the information reported by Libyan authorities in relation to the ICC staff members’ visit. The ICC fully understands the importance of the matter for the Libyan authorities and the people of Libya.
The Court attaches great importance to the principle that its staff members, when carrying out their functions, should also respect national laws. The information reported by the Libyan authorities will be fully investigated in accordance with ICC procedures following the return of the four staff members. For this purpose, the Court will be seeking further background information from the Libyan authorities. The ICC will remain in close contact with the Libyan authorities to inform them of progress.
The ICC deeply regrets any events that may have given rise to concerns on the part of the Libyan authorities. In carrying out its functions, the Court has no intention of doing anything that would undermine the national security of Libya.
When the ICC has completed its investigation, the Court will ensure that anyone found responsible for any misconduct will be subject to appropriate sanctions.
In fulfilling its mandate to end impunity and providing justice to victims, the ICC is ready to assist national authorities with their investigations if requests are submitted to the Court. The ICC is committed to continued mutual cooperation with the Libyan authorities and will do everything it can to assist them.
The ICC is extremely grateful to the Libyan authorities for their commitment to take all necessary action for the release of the Court’s staff members and their speedy reunification with their family members.
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For further information, please contact Fadi El Abdallah, Spokesperson and Head of Public Affairs Unit, International Criminal Court, by telephone at: +31 (0)70 515-9152 or +31 (0)6 46448938 or by e-mail at: fadi.el-abdallah@icc-cpi.int.
The International Criminal Court (ICC)
Fadi El Abdallah
+31 (0)70 515-9152
fadi.el-abdallah@icc-cpi.int
Source: EmailWire.Com
