Libyan government spokesman says ICC has “no legitimacy”
The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi, his son Saif al-Islam and intelligence chief Abdullah al-Sanussi. All three have been accused of crimes against humanity associated with the Libyan government’s crackdown on civilians during the country’s ongoing conflict with rebel forces. A spokesman for the Libyan government rejected the warrants Sunday, saying the ICC only targets African leaders, ignores crimes committed by NATO members and therefore has “no legitimacy whatsoever.” Meanwhile, Canadian Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird met with Libyan rebel leaders Monday on a visit to the opposition stronghold of Benghazi. Baird said he wanted to ascertain whether the rebel leaders of the National Transitional Council are capable of leading the country when and if Gadhafi’s Tripoli-based government falls. He also traveled to Sicily to meet with Canadian troops participating in the NATO-led bombing of Libya. The campaign originally designated to protect civilians began just over 100 days ago.