The European Union today urged Libyan authorities to ensure the captured son of Muammar Gadafy is brought to justice in full co-operation with the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Saif al-Islam, once tipped to succeed his late father as Libyan leader, has been arrested by fighters in the southern Libyan desert.
A spokesman for the EU's foreign policy chief Catherine Ashton said his arrest was a "significant development" that could help national reconciliation after a bloody civil war.
"The Libyan authorities should now ensure that Saif al-Islam is brought to justice in accordance with the principles of due process and in full co-operation with the International Criminal Court," Michael Mann said.
"It is important for future national reconciliation that those responsible for human rights violations committed both before and during the recent conflict are brought to justice."
A spokesman for Libya's outgoing interim government said Saif would be tried in the country rather than being sent to The Hague.
"This is the final chapter of the Libyan drama," Information Minister Mahmoud Shammam said. "We will put him on trial in Libya and he will be judged by Libyan law for his crimes."
Mr Shammam said former intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi, the remaining Libyan indicted by the ICC who is still on the run, would be found in time. "We will hunt him until we capture him or kill him."
International Criminal Court chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo said today he would go to Libya in a week's time to discuss next steps after the capture.
"I'm going to Libya to discuss how we manage this issue. But the news is Saif will get justice. Where and how, that we will discuss," Mr Moreno-Ocampo said.
In a statement, Nato said it trusts the Libyan authorities and ICC to ensure justice for Gadafy's son.
"We note reports about Saif al-Islam's arrest," spokeswoman Oana Lungescu said. "We trust that the Libyan authorities and the International Criminal Court will ensure that justice runs its course, so that the new Libya can be built on the rule of law and respect for human rights."
Nato wound up a seven-month operation in Libya at the end of October after an air and sea campaign that helped rebels overthrow Gadafy in August.
The ICC issued arrest warrants for Gadafy, Saif al-Islam and Libyan intelligence chief Abdullah al-Senussi on charges of crimes against humanity.
Reuters