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Sudan: War Crimes

Volume 479: debated on Monday 21 July 2008

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions he has had with the International Criminal Court on the possible citation of President al-Bashir of Sudan; and what assessment has been made of the (a) diplomatic and (b) political implications of such a citation. (220275)

As a State Party to the International Criminal Court, the UK has regular contacts with the court at official level, including with the Prosecutor and his Office, over a range of matters, including the on-going investigation into the situation in Darfur referred to the Prosecutor by UN Security Council Resolution 1593 (2005). All contacts with the Prosecutor and his Office, and with others at the court, take place on the clear understanding of the court's, and the Prosecutor's, independent status and competence. It would be inappropriate and premature at this stage to comment or speculate on the outcome of the court's deliberations and the range of possible diplomatic and political implications.

We continue to urge all sides to show restraint, to implement the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, and to engage in the African Union/UN-led political process for Darfur.