Security Council May Refer Libya to ICC UPDATE: It happened

The Security Council is meeting again today to discuss a possible Libya resolution. There is a press stakeout scheduled for 1030 AM, so presumably delegates are fairly confident that they can get a resolution passed today.  The latest draft that’s been circulated would impose an arms embargo on Libya and an asset ban and travel freeze on members of Qaddafi’s inner circle. It would also refer the situation to the International Criminal Court.

That last bit it probably the most contentious part of the resolution. Three members of the p-5 (China, Russia, and the USA) are not members of the ICC.  China, so far, seems to be the most uncomfortable with giving the court jurisdiction to investigate alleged crimes in Libya.  The USA and Russia less so.  Still, there is precent for this. In March 2005, Russia, the USA and China abstained from a resolution (thereby letting it pass) that referred the Darfur situation to the ICC. That decision ultimately lead to the indictment of Sudanese president Omar al Bashir for genocide.

So, stay tuned.  The Council meeting is closed to the press, but readers can follow most of the action outside the room via UN Webcast.

UPDATE:  Moments ago, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 1970, which, in fact, referred the situation to the ICC.  It also imposed targeted sanctions on several members of the Qaddafi regime and an arms embargo.