Rwanda’s chief prosecutor has urged the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda (ICTR) to "focus on completing” cases within their docket instead of pushing for an extension of their mandate.

Martin Ngoga made the remarks in reply to requests by the president of the ICTR, Judge Dennis Byron for an extension.

Byron told staff members of the tribunal this Friday that the court had requested for a yearlong extension because they could not meet December deadline. He informed his staff that a UN Security Council decision on the matter is expected "probably next week.”

In a telephone interview with The Sunday Times, Ngoga stated that it was a matter for the Security Council to decide.

"Rwanda will not be bothered by whatever the decision the Security Council will take on this matter except that in the process, the ICTR is causing us serious damage in its decisions. As a result, the status quo is benefitting the suspects and creating an impunity gap,” said Ngoga.

"Many options are in place that would help the ICTR complete on time without the excuses. That includes transfers to national jurisdictions.”

Judge Byron presented his biannual report to the Security Council on June 4 where he said that the trials would not be finished by year’s end. He informed the ICTR staff on Friday that the Security Council is aware that the court’s work will continue beyond 2010.

The ICTR was established in November 1994 by a resolution of the United Nations to prosecute people responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi and other violations of international humanitarian law in Rwanda committed between January 1, 1994 and December 31, 1994.

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