Tanzanian, Sudanese Presidents hold talks on ICC indictment
September 7, 2008 (KHARTOUM) – The Tanzanian President, Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, who arrived today to Khartoum, held talks with his Sudanese counterpart Omer Al-Bashir on the African efforts to counter the indictment of the International Criminal Court (ICC) Prosecutor against him.
Foreign minister, Deng Alor, told reporters Sunday that the visit comes within the framework of the African Union’s efforts to demand the UN Security Council to freeze for 12 months the request of the ICC prosecutor for an arrest warrant against Al-Bashir.
The minister said this efforts aims to allow the government to solve Darfur issue and achieve peace in the war-torn region.
Last July the AU requested the suspension but Western nations have shown reluctance to make such a move. Some asked visible changes from Khartoum and others said there should be no impunity for Darfur crimes.
Further Kikwete, who is also the current chairman of the African Union, discussed with Bashir the deployment of the hybrid peacekeeping force as well as political efforts to solve the five year crisis.
The Tanzanian president met with the US President George Bush at the end of August and discussed with him Darfur issue. Presidential Adviser Mustafa Osman Ismail said Kikwete brings with him ideas that some of it can contribute to solve problems and some others need further clarification.
The African Union Peace and Security Council will hold a meeting in New York on the sideline of the General Assembly on 22 September to discuss efforts to block the indictment of Sudanese President.
(ST)