Sudan accuses ICC of working to destabilize the country
By Wasil Ali
February 23, 2009 (WASHINGTON) – The Sudanese government reacted angrily to an announcement by the International Criminal Court (ICC) that it will issue a decision on a case against president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir in connection with Darfur war crimes.
The Undersecretary for foreign affairs Mutrif Sideeq reiterated his government rejection to any forms of cooperation with the ICC on the grounds that Sudan has not ratified the Rome Statute which forms the basis of the court.
Sideeq told the official news agency (SUNA) that Sudan that does not believe in “impunity” but that its judiciary is independence and capable of prosecuting “all those who violate the law”.
The Sudanese official added that “leakage” of information regarding an imminent decision on charges against Bashir is aimed at destabilizing the country but affirmed his government’s commitment to pursuing peace.
Next week the ICC judges are set to decide on an application by prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo filed last July requesting the issuance of an arrest warrant for Bashir on three counts of genocide, five of crimes against humanity and two of murder.
Ocampo accused Al-Bashir of masterminding a campaign to get rid of the African tribes in Darfur; Fur, Masalit and Zaghawa.
The Sudanese presidential adviser Mustafa Ismail said that any ICC decision “will be born dead and isolated” citing support to Khartoum from many regional organizations including the Arab League, Organization of Islamic Countries (OIC), African Union (AU) and Non-Aligned Movement (NAM).
However Ismail stressed that Sudan will monitor developments with regards to the ICC and readying for “worst case scenario” after which they will work on rallying diplomatic support.
He also denied any request by Sudan from the UN Security Council (UNSC) to freeze an arrest warrant by the ICC saying these were efforts undertaken by the Arab League and AU.
This month a joint Arab League-African Union (AU) delegation met with UNSC over stalling ICC move but failed to secure a change in the council’s position.
Arab and African countries have warned that indicting Bashir will destroy any hopes of peace in the war ravaged region of Darfur.
The UNSC issued resolution 1593 under chapter VII in March 2005 referring the situation in Darfur to the ICC.
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Barna Bahou
Sudan accuses ICC of working to destabilize the country
Well, it’s typical of every man to show his manhood even if you know you have been overcome. Your words of strength are very much appreciated but they won’t help any situation.
The best way now is to look for a top class lawyer and see if he can reduce your crimes to life imprisonment and not see you deing. If you know that subjecting some one to pain is not good, why do like other people to suffer.
Every one has a turn and this one is now yours. We may not meet again Mr. Bashir, so iam bidding you farewell and wish you a nice trip to the ICC.
Mr Famous Big_Logic_Boy
Sudan accuses ICC of working to destabilize the country
Ha ha Bashir am sorry if the durfurian could have a voice to their lost lives its not exactly like how you a fake individual would cry. You arrest is the only way for untiy and peace in Sudan. You killed those who haven’t shown their futures,how about yourself having children to represnt you even if the ICC decided on their charges. Monster like youreself does not always balance the weight and this is why your still crying for your rights idiot.