Kenya's ministers meet Hague official

Stephen Mudiari | NATION Internal Security minister George Saitoti (right) with ministers James Orengo, Otieno Kajwang’ and Amason Kingi after addressing a press conference at Harambee House, Nairobi, on Wednesday. The team said the government would cooperate with the International Criminal Court on the trial of post-election violence suspects. By ERIC SHIMOLI eshimoli@ke.nationmedia.com and BERNARD NAMUNANE bnamunane@ke.nationmedia.com
Posted Wednesday, September 1 2010 at 22:00
In Summary

Sources say Cabinet to decide today whether the court can set up base in Nairobi to speed up investigations

A top team of International Criminal Court officials on Wednesday met with government leaders to explore the possibility of the court setting up base in Kenya.

Among the issues discussed was according ICC judges, prosecutors and other members of staff diplomatic status.

The Rome Statute, which established the court, provides for such status to allow the court to operate efficiently.

It is expected a decision will be made by Friday

A statement by International Criminal Court registrar Silvana Arbia after the meeting read: “I met with the Cabinet committee chaired by minister (George) Saitoti to discuss the operational and legal framework that is essential for the court to conduct its work in Kenya.”

The registry is one of the four organs of the ICC and it is responsible for the non-judicial aspects of administering and servicing the court.

It is a neutral organ of the court and provides support to victims, witnesses and the defence, where necessary.

Other organs are the presidency, the court’s divisions and the office of the prosecutor.

Ms Arbia is on a four-day visit as the court prepares to deal with Kenya’s post-election violence.

Prof Saitoti, who chairs the Cabinet committee on ICC affairs, briefed the media in the absence of Ms Arbia at Harambee House.

Said the minister: “We held fruitful discussions with Ms Arbia, the ICC registrar and her team and reviewed progress made in facilitating the ICC to carry out its mandate.”

Prof Saitoti said the government had handed over all documents that had been requested by the ICC and provided security to the investigators.

Cabinet colleagues James Orengo (Lands), Otieno Kajwang’ (Immigration) and Amason Jeffa Kingi (Fisheries), who are also members of the sub-committee, attended the meeting.

Mr Orengo said Ms Arbia was pleased with the support from the government, adding the Kenya would comply with its obligations to The Hague.

“Kenya is dealing with matters relating to the ICC and we will comply. The registrar is very happy about it.”

Sources said Ms Arbia was laying ground for the final push on the investigations scheduled to be concluded in December.