July 23, 2015
The Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court released a statement confirming the suspension of its investigation into crimes in Beladusham. Though the ICC has agreed to the suspension at the request of the UNSC, it also stated that, in the interest of justice, if the negotiations fail, the investigations will continue.
PRESS RELEASE FROM THE ISLAMIC REPUBLIC OF IRAN
By G.Raver
July 23, 2015
The Hague 3 peace negotiations took an unexpected turn on Thursday morning when the United Nations Special Envoy called for the removal of the representatives from Iran from the table. The decision was announced after reports surfaced of Iran’s alleged connection to acts of terrorism committed by Hezbollah.
In a statement to the press, the Iranian Foreign Minister expressed extreme frustration regarding the decision stating that the UN Special Envoy acted on misinformation. She stated that both Iranian and Beladushami governments have been receiving threats from the RF. The delegates from both Russia and China deemed this decision to be premature as well and continue to show support for Iran’s inclusion in the talks.
The Iranian Foreign Minister maintains that up until this point the Iranian delegation had been extremely constructive during the talks by highlighting points of commonality between the Beladushami government and the opposition. She notes that she sees the United States as being an uncooperative party in the talks citing that they are pushing their own agenda of an arms embargo which has been prolonging the ceasefire talks. Additionally, she stated that the presence of the FFB Chief of Staff undermines the peace process as he’s been accused of atrocity crimes against the people of Beladusham.
A representative of the UN Special Envoy stated that this decision will most likely be final. Additionally, a leader from the RF stated that the united opposition has not threaten Iran nor do they support Hezbollah.
In moving forward, the Iranian Delegation will stay in The Hague throughout the duration of the negotiations.
July 23rd 2015
The Former Prosecutor to the Special Court of Sierra Leone (SCSL), David Crane has implored parties to the Hague 3 peace negotiations to place victims’ interests at the centre of the agenda. “To date, the thousands victims of the conflict have not been listened to, which is extremely disappointing. If this is to work, the victims voices need to be heard, and this has not happened. Instead alleged perpetrators of human rights violations occupy central positions within the negotiations.” Mr. Crane in particular condemned the Opposition for retaining the FBB Chief of Staff in their Coalition. “The FBB Chief of Staff was previously involved in atrocity crimes. There is a great deal of evidence he has been involved. He is rightfully in The Hague; but it should be in a detention centre rather than at the peace talks“. The former SCSL condemned the Opposition for prioritizing unity and their own interests at the expense of the most important constituency of all: victims. “Throughout this process, the opposition has been quite proud of its ability to keep this disparate Coalition together. In a sense it is admirable. However, one of the key lessons we learned at the SCSL is that you need to listen to the victims, and the victims want justice. Why do they continue to have known war criminals in senior positions? What message does this send going forward? To me, it suggests business as usual: impunity reigns.” He also condemned other actors at the talks for their failure to take account this most affected by the conflict. “The Government has been evasive on the matter of justice. Ensuring dignity to the victims has been side-tracked. This is not surprising as they clearly have skeletons in their closet. I believe that International Criminal Court needs to continue their investigation and ramp up the pressure. Obviously the ICC needs to take into account political realities but they have a clear mandate, and ensure that some kind of credible legal proceeding – whether national or international – takes place. Pro-ICC states such as France, the United Kingdom and even the United States need to assist in this process“.
By G.Raver
July 23, 2015
BREAKING NEWS: Reports are surfacing that protests have broken out in the cities of Imar, Palmyra, Ras Shamra and Ba’alland. Initially against the foreign location of the peace talks, the protests devolve into riots with a distinctly pro-Islam/anti-West aspect. Flag burning, arson and vandalism are reportedly runing rampant.
There are also sources reporting that there has been an explosion in Amoria that has killed 6 Kurds.
Stay with us as we follow this breaking story.
By G. Raver
July 23, 2015
THE HAGUE – Around 6:30 PM a photo surfaced of chemical weapons that was allegedly within Beladusham by a high ranking defecting official. The BBC previously stated via twitter that the weapons had been found within Beladusham; however, the investigation is still ongoing. The tweet has been deleted and the BBC sincerely apologizes for this oversight. We remain deeply committed to bringing you the most fully vetted and up to date information and reporting.
Chemical weapons continue to be a topic of much discussion in late night informal Hague 3 talks especially as the humanitarian crisis reports evolve. Late Wednesday evening, the National Coalition for Beladushami Justice & Accountability released a report that allegedly links FFB Chief of Staff Osaigbovo Ojo to perpetrating mass violence against civilians at the height of conflict. The report maintains that though he did not did not directly perpetrate nor authorize his troops to commit these crimes under the principle of “command responsibility” – codified in Article 28 of the 1998 Rome Statute – military commanders are imposed with individual responsibility for crimes committed by forces under their effective command and control if they:
either knew or, owing to the circumstances at the time, should have known that the forces were committing or about to commit such crimes.
When asked to comment Mr. Ojo denied the allegations calling into question the credibility of the NCBJA. He also maintains that he has the continued support of the Freedom Fighters who would not support him if he had committed these crimes. Though the UN Special Envoy revealed that Mr. Ojo will not sit at the table in Thursday’s 9:00 AM meeting, the FFB Chief of Staff still presents himself as the voice of the Freedom Fighters and protector of the people.
By G. Raver
July 22, 2015
THE HAGUE – In a recent statement released by the Beladushami government, Minister of Economic Affairs Matthew Graham condemns violence in the country and again calls for peace. Throughout the statement (video below) the Minister cites religious minority protection as a priority for the Daoud administration and explains that reconciliation cannot be achieved without a secular approach.
During a separate meeting with the press Beladushami Minister of Justice Marie-Luise Moeller expressed concern that reliable sources are reporting that the Rashidun Front is in possession of large amounts of chemical weapons. Additionally, Foudi’s government believes that today’s two attacks were meant to undermine the government and questions why the opposition are not outright denying participation or responsibility in previous attacks against 3 Sunni Beladushamis
Edit: Formatting
By G. Raver
July 22, 2015
THE HAGUE – As the Hague 3 peace talks continue, concerns over the humanitarian situation in Beladusham increase. With a rising number of reports on human rights violations the question of accountability and justice becomes a point of consternation.
Early this afternoon the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) released a statement that it will be conducting a field visit to Beladusham in order to determine national efforts currently being conducted to investigate and persecute crimes that could fall in the Court’s jurisdiction. The statement also emphasized the necessity of all parties to cooperate with the investigation.
The announcement sent shock waves through the international community. The opposition news source Voice of CR and BOC celebrated the decision stating on Twitter that “ICC investigation into Bel.[Beladusham] atrocities would bring CAH [Crimes Against Humanity], WC [War Crimes], & the current humanitarian crisis into int’l focus.” The Freedom Fighters of Beladusham Chief of Staff, Mr Ojo Osaigbovo also spoke in favor of the ICC investigation recently stating to the press that chemical weapons remain a concern. The opposition claims that reliable sources indicate extremist groups operating independently or with the government may continue to make use of chemical warfare against the Beladushami people. Mr. Osaigbovo emphasized that the support of the ICC investigation from the opposition is unified.
However, an anonymous Islamist source who refers to him/herself as “the Ghost” stated to the reporter: “The opposition is weak and godless and just as corrupt as the government. Devils infest all of Beladusham. We will guide the people to the light of the law. Allahu Ackbar.”
In the Beladusham government camp, frustration and distrust of the ICC permeates the conversation. Acknowledging the grave humanitarian situation and allegations of chemical warfare, the government continues to wrestle with how to protect the people of Beladusham. General Fadi Daoud emphasized that there is common ground between some leaders of the opposition and that talks have been highly constructive. The Daoud government feels that investigations into human rights abuses should be left to local authorities as the Beladushami justice system is willing and able to conduct any necessary investigations.
United Nations and Arab League to Beladusham Special Envoy Elysa Hogg issued the following statement: “The ICC is just one of many international bodies that have a stake in Beladusham. The UN Special Envoy’s focus is on the stability of this country. Let’s not derail this now.”
On the ground in Beladusham, despite a ceasefire between Foudi’s government and the opposition, violence continues. Shortly after the ICC’s announcement, three Hazzobis civilians were killed in a bombing of a local market in an unclaimed attack.
Edit: Three civillians were killed in the market attack this afternoon. Additional information obtained that the victims were Hazzobis
