Geneva concerned over Libya accord fallout

Geneva authorities have expressed concern over an accord struck between Libya and Switzerland to restore relations damaged after the arrest of Moammar Gaddafi's son.

In an agreement signed by President Hans-Rudolf Merz in Tripoli on Thursday, the Swiss government offered an “official and public apology for the unjustified and unnecessary arrest” of Hannibal Gaddafi and his wife in Geneva in July 2008.

The agreement also sets up a three-person independent arbitration panel to sift through the conditions of the arrest.

The Geneva cantonal government said it took note of the apologies offered and hoped that it would lead to the imminent release of two Swiss nationals being held in the country.

However, it reiterated its confidence in the Geneva justice system, which had “made decisions which respected our laws and were taken in all independence”. It also expressed its backing for the police in carrying out orders from the justice authorities.

Furthermore the cantonal government said it was concerned that the agreement gave the foreign arbiters the right to lay potential guilt on Geneva police and authorities.

It vowed to resist all action that did not conform to individual liberties guaranteed by the Geneva constitution and said it was contacting other cantons to gain their support.

swissinfo.ch with agencies