09.03.10 - ICTR/NZABONIMANA - EX-RWANDAN MINISTER WANTS FRANCE'S CLARIFICATION OVER ITS TROOPS

9 March 2010 By

Arusha, March 9, 2010 (FH) - Former Minister of Youth Callixte Nzabonimana has requested the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) to give an order allowing him to verify with the French government over an allegation that a contingent of 60 French soldiers was stationed in Mount Ndiza, Central Rwanda, between April and July 1994.

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In a written request dated February 15 and received by Hirondelle Agency on Tuesday, Nzabonimana's lawyers have asked the chamber to deliver a ruling, calling on French authorities to verify this prosecution witness' allegation.

On December 1 and 2, 2009, a prosecution witness code-named ‘'CNAL'' said he had been the cook of a contingent of 60 French soldiers stationed in Mount Ndiza. If France were to confirm their presence, Nzabonimana's defence said they would like to be given the names of the soldiers and their respective units.

The judges have not pronounced yet a ruling on the request.

Nzabonimana's lawyers are trying to prove that ‘'CNAL'' is not a credible witness and that all his allegations against their client were false.

The former minister is facing five charges of genocide, conspiracy to commit genocide, direct and public incitement to commit genocide, extermination and murder. He has pleaded not guilty.

According to the indictment, the accused played an important role in the massacres of Tutsis in his hometown of Gitarama, Central Rwanda.

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