Statement of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, Luis Moreno-Ocampo in relation to Ivory Coast

The Office of the Prosecutor (OTP) is very concerned about the deteriorating situation in Ivory Coast including recent information about alleged mass killings in the Western part of the country. The Office continues to collect information on alleged crimes committed there by different parties to the conflict.

The OTP has been conducting a preliminary examination in Ivory Coast and the next step will be for the Prosecutor to use his independent proprio motu power to request authorization from the Pre Trial Chamber in order to initiate an investigation. Ivory Coast is not a state party of the Rome Statute, but then President Gbagbo accepted jurisdiction of the Court in accordance with article 12(3). Current President Ouattara confirmed by letter his acceptance of ICC jurisdiction and provided information to the office.

However, to expedite the process, if a state party of the Rome Statute refers Ivory Coast to the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court, the Office of the Prosecutor can proceed faster with an investigation and start to prepare a request for an arrest warrant for those most responsible for crimes in Ivory Coast.

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