World should not mix justice and politics – Darfur rebel chief
September 25, 2008 (PARIS) — A Darfur rebel chief urged the international community to not mix between justice and politics saying interfering in the ICC effort to try the Sudanese president over Darfur crimes would encourage Khartoum to commit more crimes.
Abdel Wahid Al-Nur the head of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) urged the International community to not mix between the legal procedure engaged by the international Criminal Court prosecutor to investigate and prosecute Darfur crimes and the political process to end the conflict.
“For the thousands of victims and the millions of displaced and refugees, Ocampo remains the sole hope to have justice, he said; adding why instead of trying people who committed crimes they ask victims to accept rape and killing” he said.
Al-Nur, made this statement amid calls during the U.N. Assembly General in New York to suspend the ICC prosecutor efforts to arrest Bashir because it would block the political settlement of the five years crisis.
Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim bin Jabr Al-Thani told reporters in New York Wednesday “We hope a resolution would be issued for a freeze in accordance with Article 16 and on the basis of that we will start to work into looking into the remaining issues.”
Qatar intends to host peace talks between Khartoum and Darfur rebels. But the non signatory movements are very reluctant to accept the mediation because of the Arab League supportive policy to the government.
The Paris based chief further said committed to the peace process and welcome any efforts from whoever wants to help for a quick end of the conflict. However, he underscored that peace talks should be preceded by the full implementation of ceasefire agreements.
“Darfur people deserve to live in peace and this is a natural right for any person so why they want to prevent Darfur people from their fundamental rights.” He lamented.
The ICC prosecutor reminded today that he has a legal mandate, and he does not comment on political activities.
UN experts estimate that up to 300,000 people have died in Darfur region and more than 2.2 million have fled their homes since rebels rose up against Khartoum in February 2003. Sudan says 10,000 people have been killed.
(ST)