France to seek war crimes probe of Russian actions in Syria
Foreign minister Ayrault says committed to saving population of Aleppo from Moscow's 'bombarding'
PARIS — France’s foreign minister has called on the International Criminal Court to investigate Russia for possible war crimes in Syria.
Jean-Marc Ayrault told France-Inter radio Monday that “France intends to get in touch with the prosecutor to find out how the probe can be launched.”
Ayrault said France disagrees with Russia’s “bombarding” of Aleppo and “is committed as never before to saving the population.”
He said the investigation would hinge on Moscow’s role in the aerial offensive in the rebel-held eastern part of the city.
Russia on Saturday blocked a UN Security Council resolution proposed by France and Spain on ending the hostilities.
On Friday, US Secretary of State John Kerry called for a war crimes investigation into Russian and Syrian airstrikes in Syria, an appeal Russia has angrily rejected.
Copyright 2016 The Associated Press.