ICC to probe Uganda's efforts to arrest LRA rebels

AMSTERDAM, Sep 16 (Reuters) The International Criminal Court (ICC) has ordered an urgent report into Uganda's efforts to arrest and hand over leaders of the rebel Lord's Resistance Army, wanted by the court on war crimes charges.

Uganda last month offered amnesty to leaders of the cult-like rebels, who are notorious for massacring civilians, mutilating survivors and kidnapping thousands of children, under the terms of a truce.

The court said in a statement yesterday it had asked its registrar to submit a written report by October 6 on what progress there was in the execution of the arrest warrants and the cooperation of the relevant states.

It stressed the arrest of LRA leader Joseph Kony and his deputies was vital for their effective prosecution and the prevention of further crimes.

Uganda and the LRA signed a cessation of hostilities agreement in August, raising hopes of an end to the 20-year insurgency which has killed tens of thousands of people and displaced almost 2 million.

However some of the top rebels have yet to emerge from hiding because they fear arrest. The deputy commander of the LRA and one of those indicted, Vincent Otti, has said the arrest warrants were a major obstacle to peace.

A September 12 deadline for a peace deal set by the government has passed and Kampala warned that peace talks could not go on indefinitely.

Uganda has said it would only ask the ICC to drop prosecution after an agreement is reached.

The ICC issued arrest warrants against Kony and his deputies last year but has no police force to hunt down its targets, so must rely on Ugandan, Sudanese and former southern Sudanese rebel troops to bring them to justice.

Reuters PDS VP0445