Britain’s Iraq inquiry appoints former world court president to advise it on international law

Former world court chief joins UK Iraq inquiry

LONDON — Britain’s official inquiry into the war in Iraq has appointed a former president of the International Court of Justice to help advise it on legal issues.

The Iraq inquiry committee said Wednesday it had appointed former judge Rosalyn Higgins to assist its investigation.

Higgins served as president of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, Netherlands, from 2006 until she stepped down early this year.

The five-member panel says it is also seeking advice from retired British army chief Gen. Roger Wheeler on military issues.

The panel is carrying out Britain’s first sweeping inquiry into the war. The panel can issue rebukes or recommendations, but cannot establish criminal or civil liability for mistakes.