Botswana:  Botswana supports Gadhafi arrest warrant

GABORONE, Botswana (AP) — Botswana says it differs with the African Union's decision to disregard the international arrest warrant for Libya's Moammar Gadhafi.



Last week, the AU called on its members to disregard the warrant, saying it "seriously complicates" its efforts to find a solution to the Libyan crisis.



Government spokesman Jeff Ramsay told The Associated Press on Thursday that Botswana is concerned about human rights violations in Libya and supports the warrant on Gadhafi "because as a member of the ICC we respect our treaty obligations. It does not pass judgment but calls for prosecution."



Botswana has previously shown unwillingness to stand with African dictators. It has called for sanctions against Zimbabwe, criticizing a southern African grouping's mediation efforts.