China against “irresponsible” ICC move to arrest Sudan’s Bashir
August 30, 2008 (Khartoum) – China is opposed to any “irresponsible” move that can hinder the realisation of peace in Darfur, the visiting Chinese envoy said today about a request by ICC Prosecutor for an arrest warrant against president Omer Al-Bashir.
Liu Guijin to the reporters on Saturday that move of the International Criminal Court prosecutor could affect negatively the ongoing efforts to achieve peace in western Sudan troubled region of Darfur.
“We must face this act until there is a fair and speedy settlement of the problem” he added. Indicating China is against any move that could irresponsible adversely affect efforts to bring peace in Darfur.
The Chinese envoy made these statements following a meeting with the Presidential Adviser, Mustafa Osman Ismail in Khartoum today.
Ismail said that they agreed to coordinate efforts between Sudan, China, the African Union and all other friendly countries that are keen on security and stability in Darfur at the U.N. Security Council.
The ICC’s prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo asked pre-trial judges on July 14 to issue arrest warrants for Al-Bashir.
Ocampo filed 10 charges: three counts of genocide, five of crimes against humanity and two of murder. Judges are expected to take months to study the evidence before deciding whether to order Al-Bashir’s arrest.
Last month China and Russia supported AU request to invoke article 16 of Rome Statues and suspend any indictment of Sudan’s head of state.
Liu Guijin will meet at the end of his visit with Sudanese president to express he support of Chinese to the Sudanese president.
The Chinese also met with the undersecretary at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Saturday evening, Mutrif Sidiq who rejected any transfer of the mandate of the Sudanese judiciary to international justice, stating that Sudan is capable to try responsible of Darfur crimes.
Sudan has not ratified the Rome Statue, but the UNSC invoked the provisions under the Statue that enables it to refer situations in non-State parties to the world court if it deems that it is a threat to international peace and security.
(ST)