Ashton has called on release of four ICC members

European Union Foreign Policy chief Catherine Ashton has called for all efforts to be made to secure the immediate release of four staff members of the International Criminal Court (ICC) held in Libya, the sources say.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the High Representative emphasized that it is the legal obligation of Libya under the UN Security Council's resolution 1970 (2011) to co-operate fully with and provide any necessary assistance to the ICC, and to recognize the privileges and immunities of ICC staff.

She urged Libya to address concerns about the conduct of staff of the ICC within the ICC legal framework. Ashton underlined the need to grant them "full consular access consistent with the obligations under the Vienna Convention."