Sudan’s spy chief vows return to Islamic extremism ‘if necessary’

February 21, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — The top security official in Sudan vowed ‘not to be broken’ in front of an arrest warrant for president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir from the International Criminal Court (ICC).

“We [the government] were Islamic extremists then became moderate and civilized believing in peace and life for everyone” Salah Gosh, the head of Sudan’s National Security and Intelligence Service told audience celebrating his promotion to a Field Marshal.

“However we will revert back to how we were if necessary. There is nothing any easier than that” Gosh said.

Sudan is in a state of high alert awaiting a decision by the ICC judges on a case submitted by prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo against Bashir accusing him of masterminding a campaign to get rid of the African tribes in Darfur; Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa.

The intelligence director also issued a stern warning to those inside Sudan attempting to assist ICC.

“Anyone who attempts to put his hands to execute [ICC] plans we will cut his hands, head and parts because it is a non-negotiable issue” he said.

Gosh also said that any organizations or foreign missions violating their mandate “have no one blame to blame but themselves” before pledging to protect them.

He accused the ICC of being moved by pro-Zionist lobbies and downplayed any significance to the Hague-based court on his country.

Sudanese officials have sought to warn the international community of backlash by ‘outlaws’ against Westerners if an arrest warrant is issued for Bashir.

“All options are open. We cannot predict what will happen but we will work on securing the country” Gosh told reporters last month.

Khartoum along with the African Union (AU) and Arab League have sought to get the UN Security Council (UNSC) intervention to defer the ICC move.

However the US, UK and France objected saying that there were no improvements of conditions in Darfur warranting suspensions.

(ST)