Experts from four countries to launch inquiry into military campaign

A group of 'law experts' in the United Kingdom is determined to launch an inquiry into the legality of war campaign and ongoing occupation of Iraq.

Renowned international law experts are set to explore the boundaries of international criminal law following recent events in Iraq and the decision of the UK, US and supporting nations to launch a full-scale military invasion on Iraq.

The inquiry will be launched on November 8 from 10am to 6pm at the London School of Economics. The inquiry which will be open to the public, is to consider whether coalition powers have breached international law in the conduct of military action against Iraq.

A panel of eight leading experts from four countries including Ireland, Canada and France are set to debate pressing issues surrounding the military campaign waged against Iraq and the ensuing actions of the Coalition.

An important topic of the debate is "Was it legal to go to war?", but the focus will be on other vital issues, including the use of weapons such as cluster bombs and depleted uranium, the bombingof civilian targets and the conduct of the ongoing occupation of Iraq.

A leading legal expert, Dr Andrew Williams, from the Department of Law at the University of Warwick, told Gulf News: "We don't know if war crimes have been committed or if global laws have been violated, but there are troublesome aspects that deserve examination and inquiry."

He illustrated some of the questions which the inquiry will be examining. He said: "For example, can acts such as the bombing of civilian targets be considered as within the definitions of war crimes or crimes against humanity? When is the use of cluster bombs against international criminal law? What are the limits of the responsibilities of victorious states after military operations have ceased?"

With the UK having signed up to thejurisdiction of the newly formed International Criminal Court, the coalition's actions may be investigated and responsible persons prosecuted by the ICC.

If the panel of experts finds that they have acted outside international law there may be grounds for the ICC prosecutor to investigate members of the UK government for breaches in relation to crimes against humanity or war crimes.