The chief prosecutor at the International Criminal Court Luis Moreno Ocampo could soon identify people allegedly responsible for war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ivory Coast, if ICC judges approve his request to open an investigation in the country.

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The judges will now decide whether the information collected from a variety of sources including a UN commission of inquiry during the prosecution's preliminary examination is enough to show why and by whom these crimes were committed during post-election violence in Ivory Coast since last November.

Arrest warrants
Ocampo asked judges on Thursday "for either summons to appear or arrest warrants for those believed to be most responsible for alleged crimes" in Ivory Coast.

If the judges grant his request, Ocampo says he will open an "independent and impartial investigation" into those responsible for large-scale crimes. He said Ivory Coast itself can decide how to deal with those involved in less serious crimes - for instance, with a Truth and Reconciliation Commission.

3,000 killed
UN investigators believe about 3,000 people died in the bloody post-election crisis before internationally-recognised leader Alassane Ouattara finally ousted his rival Laurent Gbagbo following disputed presidential elections. Tens of thousands more have still to return to the homes they fled.

Both sides
Fighters on both sides of the conflict have been accused of war crimes and Ouattara's government has come under fire from rights campaigners claiming only the losing side was being investigated. Ocampo said his information provides "a reasonable basis to believe that pro-Gbagbo and pro-Ouattara forces committed crimes falling under the jurisdiction of the ICC.

First non-member state
Ouattara asked Ocampo in a letter on May 3 to investigate "the most serious crimes." This is the first time the ICC may open a case in a country which is not a member of the court - but which has nontheless accepted its jurisdiction. If it gets the go-ahead, this will be the ICC's seventh investigation in Africa. The next step would be to go to Ivory Coast with a plan to disseminate information via the media, with information for victims. Ocampo has invited victims, who have until 17 July, to come forward with testimony.

Critical mass of leaders
Ocampo said he would ask neighbouring African countries for help if needed, in making arrests. "There is a critical mass of leaders struggling to stop violence in Africa," said Ocampo. He expects the situation in Ivory Coast to have a wide impact on ending impunity across Africa, as it is sparking widespread debate. "And debate is the beginning of understanding," he said.