Written question asked by Lord Chidgey (Liberal Democrat), in the House of Lords. It was answered by Lord Howell of Guildford (Conservative) on Thursday, 9 June 2011.

Libya

Question: To ask Her Majesty’s Government whether they are considering any action to assist the international community in the apprehension of Muammar Gaddafi.

Answer: We welcome the International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor's announcement that he will apply for arrest warrants for Colonel Gaddafi, Saif al Islam al Qadhafi and Abdullah al Senussi. It is now for the ICC's Pre-Trial Chamber judges to consider the prosecutor’s request. The request for these warrants is a reminder to Gaddafi, and all in his regime, that crimes will not go unpunished and the reach of international justice is long. United Nations Security Council Resolution 1970 stated that the Libyan authorities shall co-operate fully with the ICC and provide any necessary assistance to the court. We again urge all states, whether parties to the Rome statute or not, to offer their full co-operation and assistance to the ICC. Under the terms of UN Security Council Resolution 1973, North Atlantic Treaty Organisation's military mandate is to take action to protect civilians and civilian areas. We, and our international partners, are determined to fulfil that mandate. Eighteen nations are contributing aircraft or maritime assets to the region and, in total, 34 nations are either providing or offering various kinds of support, assistance and humanitarian relief.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 9607; 728 c151-2WA
Session: 2010-12
Subjects: Arrest warrants International Criminal Court Libya Gaddafi, Muammar
Link: View this Written question on www.publications.parliament.uk