US calls on Sudan president to stand before ICC
July 1, 2009 (WASHINGTON) — The Sudanese president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir must face the charges brought against him by the International Criminal Court (ICC), a senior US official said today.
The prosecutor of the ICC Luis Moreno-Ocampo is expected to submit an appeal for the inclusion of crime of genocide in the counts against Bashir, which the judges have refused to endorse citing insufficient evidence.
The U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson said in an interview with All Africa website that the Obama administration is “engaging with the [Sudanese] government broadly to achieve important objectives”.
Carson said that the US is using its “diplomatic power” to come up with a solution to the problems facing Sudan despite the outstanding arrest warrant against its president.
The US administration came under fire from Darfur advocacy groups for what they view as a lenient approach in dealing with Khartoum despite pledges made by Obama during his presidential campaign for tougher action.
“There’s no question that we’re going to have to work with the government of Sudan. It is both a part of the problem and part of the solution,” the US official added.
However, Carson cautioned that Bashir would have to answer to the charges brought against him by the ICC.
“Notwithstanding all of this, an arrest warrant has been issued for Bashir by the ICC for war crimes in Darfur. He should do the right thing and face those charges,” he said.
Washington reacted cautiously to the ICC arrest warrant issued and a key U.S senator John Kerry told reporters in Khartoum in April that it has “complicated matters”.
The statements made today by the US official may anger Khartoum which has hailed a “new approach” by Washington that is “less hostile” than previous administrations.
The appointment of Carson last May received a warm welcome from Sudan, which views him more favorably than his predecessor Jendayi Frazer.
(ST)
oshay
US calls on Sudan president to stand before ICC
It’s nothing new, Hillary Clinton, a more senior official said the exact same thing. I hope since the US is unwilling to prosecute its own atrocities, the security council should refer the case of the numerous bombing on funerals in Afghanistan and most recently the bombing that killed 147 men women and children while they slept at night but hold on a sec! the US is a member of the Security council and it wields the veto power and so no one can bring it to justice… ah well we might as well tell the much poorer and weaker Sudan to cooperate with a court we’re not a member of!!!!!
Seriously, this is exactly why India refused to join the court it said specifically if the court can be referred by the veto wielding members of the security council then all the cases are politicized.
Samson Shawel Ambaye
US calls on Sudan president to stand before ICC
God be with the ICC and Right Honorable Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo . He is not only Prosecutor of ICC but also Judge of Judges of the planet for helping poorest victims of Darfur. ICC judges must obey his greatest help and influence for promoting respect for human rights in Africa. Bashir is devil of Africa and must be arrested with out any precondition. Whoever defends Bashir is pro devil whether Mbeki or other groups. Bashir is a genocide criminal and must be arrested. ICC must cooperate with Right Honorable Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo and enhance the arrest of Bashir as soon as possible.
God be with Right honorable Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo for helping justice and human rights in Africa.
paul baak anyaar
US calls on Sudan president to stand before ICC
Action speaks louder than words. It’s a great waste of time and words to keep on calling on Al Bashir to stand before the ICC. Where were the US officials when Bashir visited several countries in show of defiance to the so-called ICC. That was the proper time to capitalize on and apprehend his arrest. If you people think that this man will willingly surrender to the Hague based court then you are not anything less than naive.
Father Critic
US calls on Sudan president to stand before ICC
Omer Hassen must face justice whether he wishes or not.The ICC has right to protect innocent people in Darfur if the government or (NCP)Non Christians Party does not want to.Critic Ngueny from Bor town
Markoni
US calls on Sudan president to stand before ICC
Dear Mareno,
You have been saying that you issued an arrest warrant some months ago for sure that you will arrest Bashir if he crosses neighbouring borders.
Decieving people that coming week,month, months it is better to be years.
Markoni Mou
Peter Mayen wen Majongdit
US calls on Sudan president to stand before ICC
I am a southern sudan based in Warrap and I would like to tell the Public that the truth of he matter is that if the president do not face the fact and apear before the court and justfied his position. my father told me that a right man he always has courges, so please Mr Present can you go to the court and justfiy to the whole world that you free and good man of development not man of killing his people, the truth of this can only be seen by you MR present apearing before the court.
peter Mayen wen Majongdit
TIM TOSH
US calls on Sudan president to stand before ICC
Washington
President Omer Hassan Al Bashir must face the consequence of his action.Crime against Humanity and genocide in Darfur.I want Bashir hung like his friend Sadaam Hessen
Thyinka
US calls on Sudan president to stand before ICC
Bashir will face Hague one day unless he dies before going there but he will never have a peaceful retirement when he leaves power which is sooner than latter.