News story

Minister for Africa Henry Bellingham comments on President Bashir’s visit to Djibouti

"The British government expects the Government of Djibouti to stand by its obligations under the Rome Statute, and as a UN member state."

This was published under the 2010 to 2015 Conservative and Liberal Democrat coalition government

“I am disappointed that Djibouti hosted President Bashir of Sudan last week in defiance of International Criminal Court arrest warrants for war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

The British government expects the Government of Djibouti to stand by its obligations under the Rome Statute, and as a UN member state. The Government of Djibouti has committed itself to full cooperation with the ICC, and I reiterate the importance that the British government places on such commitments.

We support the work of the ICC as an independent judicial body. All countries should cooperate with the ICC investigations in accordance with UN Security Council Resolutions, and the particular legal obligations of States Party to the ICC.”

Published 11 May 2011