Court probe into Darfur

THE HAGUE - The International Criminal Court will launch a formal investigation into allegations of war crimes in Sudan's troubled Darfur region.

The court has been analysing the situation in Darfur since the United Nations referred to it allegations of rape, murder and plunder in April, after a UN Security Council vote.

Dozens of court officials have begun preparing for the investigation, the largest and most important yet to be handled by the body since it was established in July 2002.

Investigators have said they hope to move quickly and complete their work over a period of months, rather than years.

Once they've gathered evidence and interviewed witnesses, court officials will then consider issuing indictments.

- REUTERS