Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General on Darfur –Appearance of Mr. Abu Garda at the International Criminal Court

The Secretary-General takes note of the voluntary appearance of Mr. Bahr Idriss Abu Garda before the International Criminal Court on 18 May 2009, in response to charges of war crimes committed on 29 September 2007 at the Haskanita base of the African Union Mission in Sudan. The Secretary-General commends the Court's efforts to ensure accountability for crimes against peacekeepers and emphasizes that the United Nations respects the independence of the Court and its judicial process.