Lebanon concerned over Sudan expulsion of aid groups: Russia

March 17, 2009 (BEIRUT) — The Lebanese government expressed concern over Sudan’s expulsion of aid agencies from Darfur, a Russian official said today.

The Russian special envoy to Sudan Mikhail Margelov told the Novosti official news agency that Lebanese officials expressed worry over the current situation in the East African country.

Margelov is on a visit to Lebanon where he met with officials including the president, Prime Minister, foreign minister, parliament members and political parties.

The Russian envoy said the issue of International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrant against Sudanese president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir came up during his discussions.

The Lebanese government official response to the indictment called on the international community to support the political process in Sudan “away from any steps that could hinder this process or the path of civil peace and stability”.

He described the expulsion of relief agencies as “hurried” but said he shares concerns of the Arab League which called on the UN Security Council (UNSC) to suspend Bashir’s indictment.

“Executing the court’s decision could lead to a humanitarian disaster and affect the efforts of peace mediators”.

On March 4th the ICC judges approved a request by prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo to charge Bashir on seven counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, which include murder, rape and torture.

Afterwards, the Sudanese president ordered the ejection of 13 aid groups in Darfur and North Sudan accusing them of passing information to The Hague-based court.

China blocked a French drafted presidential statement at the UNSC condemning Sudan for expelling the aid groups and calling on Khartoum to reverse its decision.

(ST)