The Hindu : International : World court launches probe into Darfur crimes

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Tuesday, Jun 07, 2005

International

International

World court launches probe into Darfur crimes

THE HAGUE: The International Criminal Court on Monday formally announced the start of an investigation into alleged war crimes in Sudan's troubled Darfur region.

Prosecutors said in a statement their inquiries will be ``impartial and independent, focusing on the individuals who bear the greatest criminal responsibility.'' The court has been analysing the situation in Darfur since the United Nations referred to it allegations of rape, murder and plunder in April, following a U.N. Security Council vote. Dozens of court officials have begun preparing the investigation, the largest and most important yet to be handled by the court since it was established in July 2002.

``The investigation will require sustained cooperation from national and international authorities. It will form part of a collective effort, complementing African Union and other initiatives to end the violence in Darfur and to promote justice,'' Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo said in prepared comments.

Mr. Moreno-Ocampo will brief the U.N. in New York about his plans to investigate Darfur later this month. Sudan has indicated it will not cooperate with the Hague-based court. — AP

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