TRIPOLI, Libya, Jan 28 – Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi has supported Kenya\’s Intention to request the African Union – and subsequently the UN Security Council – to call for a deferral of the Hague trials against six suspects.
Mr Gaddafi said Kenya was an important member of multilateral institutions like the African Union and United Nations and its considered opinion on how to handle her internal affairs should be respected.
"Africa has come of age in the respect of human rights and provision of justice. If Kenya says they want to use local judicial mechanisms and demonstrates that this will be so in respect to the suspects of the post- election violence, then so be it," said Mr Gaddafi.
The Libyan leader who met Kenya\’s Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka at his retreat on the outskirts of the capital Tripoli, said African problems require African solutions.
He added that the continent should only attract international attention in the event that members are completely unable to handle their internal affairs.
The Vice President who was accompanied by Tourism Minister Najib Balala and Nominated MP Mohamed Affey said Kenya was committed to the continued implementation of the Rome Statute and recognition of the role the International Criminal Court (ICC) played in securing respect for human rights and delivery of justice globally.
"All that we are asking is for a deferral to allow the setting up of a local judicial mechanism to try the suspects of the post-election violence. This is the only way we can encourage Kenyans to have faith and trust in the brand new Institutions being established under the new Constitution, " said Mr Musyoka.
The VP noted that Kenyans sought a new constitutional dispensation for over 20 years and it was time they now supported the entrenchment of institutions created by the new supreme law.
Citing the imminent appointment of a new Chief justice, Attorney General and Director of Public prosecutions, Mr Musyoka said the new judicial officers should be able to impartially dispense justice to all Kenyans.
The Vice President will proceed to Nigeria to lobby the UN Security Council member to support Kenya\’s position ahead of the AU heads of states and government summit where Kenya\’s position will be presented by President Mwai Kibaki this weekend.
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