The Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC), Mr Luis Moreno-Ocampo, has announced his decision to open the first investigation of the ICC. The Office of the Prosecutor will investigate grave crimes committed on the territory of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) since 1 July 2002. The decision to launch an investigation has been made in co-operation with the DRC, other governments and international organisations.

“In the light of the atrocities that have been committed in the DRC, I am very pleased that the Chief Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court has decided that there are grounds for opening an investigation,” said Foreign Minister Jan Petersen.

“This is the first time the ICC has made such a decision, and it is a major step forward for international justice. The decision shows that the ICC is fully operational and able to assume its central role in the fight against impunity for serious international crimes. Norway has been one of the prime movers behind the establishment of the ICC, and we view the court as an important tool in efforts to promote the rule of law and build democracy after armed conflicts,” said the Foreign Minister.