AP: UN Refers Sudanese Suspects to ICC (US Decision 'Major Shift')

[Hissyspit]

http://ap.tbo.com/ap/breaking/MGBKGLY307E.html

Security Council Refers Sudanese War Crimes Suspects to ICC After Agreeing to Concessions Sought by Bush Administration
By Nick Wadhams
Associated Press Writer

UNITED NATIONS (AP) - After weeks of often bitter negotiations, the U.N. Security Council approved a resolution to refer Sudanese war crimes suspects to the International Criminal Court, agreeing to major concessions demanded by United States.
The resolution marks the first time the council has referred a case to the court, a decision its supporters say will be a step toward legitimizing the body. Even so, there was widespread displeasure with language that the United States won, with diplomats saying it would undermine the body.

The concessions included guarantees that citizens of countries not party to the ICC working in Sudan would not be handed over to either the ICC or any other nation's courts if they commit crimes in Sudan.

Even on those favorable terms, the U.S. decision not to veto was a major shift. President Bush has opposed the court since he took office, and American diplomats had repeatedly spoken out against referring Sudan cases to it.

MORE