Sudanese official criticizes SPLM position on UN Resolution 1593
KHARTOUM, Apr 20, 2005 (Sudan Tribune) — The political advisor of the president of the republic, Qutbi al-Mahdi, has disclosed for the first time fresh information about the position which Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, SPLM, had taken on the latest Security Council resolution requiring the trial of Sudanese suspects, accused of committing crimes against humanity in Darfur, at the International Criminal Court.
In an interview with the Khartoum based Akhbar al-Yawm yesterday, Qutbi said the SPLM had issued a statement in Oslo in which it announced its support for Resolution 1593 that had been passed against Sudan.
He described such a step by the SPLM as contrary to the position that a major partner of the government ought to take on a resolution that concerns the state.
He further said such a position could be construed as a sign that the peace agreement between the government and the SPLM could face many difficulties.
The SPLM leaders in Khartoum have refrained from making their position known on the Security Council resolution on the pretext that the matter was still being examined by the movement.
Qutbi affirmed, however, the state readiness to indict any official proved to be involved in war crimes in Darfur, saying it would be an honour for us that the state would indict and try inside Sudan any official found to be involved in Darfur events.
Regarding the stance taken by the opposition Ummah Party leader, Sadiq Al-Sadiq, on Resolution 1593 and the rumoured future agreement between him and Darfur rebel Justice and Equality Movement, Qutbi said Al-Mahdi’s position was not different from that of the Secretary-General of the Sudanese Communist Party, Nuqud. And that despite his respect for the latter.
Material provided by the BBC Monitoring Service