Libya urged to 'deliver Saif to justice safely'

BRUSSELS - The European Union (EU) on Saturday urged Libya National Transitional Council (NTC) to safely deliver Libyan former leader Gadhafi's son Saif al-Islam to justice.

"The reported capture of Saif al-Islam is a significant development. As Colonel Gadhafi's son and possible successor, Saif was a key player in the former regime," said EU foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton in her statement following the report of Saif's capture.

She also said, "It is of utmost importance that Saif al-Islam's safety is now ensured and his due process rights guaranteed so that he can be delivered to justice, in accordance with Libya's international obligations and the National Transitional Council's public commitments to respect the rule of law."

"In that context, continuing cooperation with the International Criminal Court (ICC) should be assured," Ashton said.

Saif al-Islam, the second son of Muammar Gadhafi, was wanted by the ICC on charges of crimes against humanity in cracking down anti-Gadhafi protests.

He had been captured in the south of the country, according to a military officer of the ruling NTC.