Africa News

EU supports ICC in Bashir warrant

Mar 4, 2009, 20:56 GMT

Prague - The Czech presidency of the European Union said Wednesday it supports the International Criminal Court in the Hague after it issued an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al- Bashir.

'The EU reiterates its full support and respect for the International Criminal Court and its key role in the promotion of international justice,' it said in a statement released Wednesday evening in Prague.

The Czech Republic noted the 2005 UN Security Council resolution that called on Sudan and other parties to cooperate with the ICC in its efforts. The Czech presidency also called on the government of Sudan and the Darfur rebels to protect the civilian population, to respect human right and humanitarian law.

The ICC issued an international arrest warrant for al-Bashir on Wednesday on seven counts of crimes against humanity and war crimes. It was the first time the body has sought the arrest of a sitting president.