BRUSSELS, May 13: Lawsuits filed in Belgium against US officials for alleged war crimes are “very serious” and could impact on travel arrangements of US officials, the chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff said Tuesday.

Responding to a lawsuit expected to be filed on Wednesday against the US commander in Iraq, General Tommy Franks, General Richard Myers said it would be up to diplomats to work out the exact consequences.

But he said: “It’s looked upon by the US government as a very very serious situation... It is serious and it could clearly have an impact on where we gather.”

Their suit relates to about 20 alleged crimes during the Iraq war, including three cases where US troops are accused of firing on ambulances, said lawyer Jan Fermon.

The impending lawsuit has already sparked alarm in the US government, which remains concerned about the controversial law despite recent moves by the Belgian parliament to limit its scope.

In March US Secretary of State Colin Powell said that, unless restricted, the law could affect Belgium’s status as an international hub, including the European Union as well as NATO.

Some 30 current or former political leaders are facing legal action under the law, including Israeli Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Palestinian leader Yasser Arafat, former US president George Bush and Powell.—AFP