Sudan says not surprised by Botswana vow to arrest Bashir
June 17, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — The Sudanese government today downplayed threats by Botswana to arrest president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir if he lands on its territory.
Last week the foreign minister of Botswana Phandu Skelemani told the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) that his country has legal duty to help ensure the appearance of Bashir before the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Bashir is wanted by the ICC on seven counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity in connection with alleged war crimes committed in Darfur.
The Sudanese foreign ministry spokesperson Ali Al-Sadiq said there are no diplomatic ties with Botswana and thus neither Bashir or any other official have any need to fly there.
Al-Sadiq said it is likely that that Botswana came under international pressure as well as from the ICC president who recently visited the Southern African country.
However, he added that his government received no official notification outlining Botswana’s position.
All countries which have ratified the Rome Statute have an obligation arrest the Sudanese president if he lands on its territory.
However two ICC member countries including Djibouti and Comoros Island suggested they will not apprehend Bashir if he visits.
Last month South African officials warned the Sudanese president against travelling to attend President Jacob Zuma’s inauguration ceremony or else he will face arrest.
However, Bashir told the BBC ‘Hardtalk’ program last month that he could have travelled to South Africa if he wanted to.
(ST)
Lokang
Sudan says not surprised by Botswana vow to arrest Bashir
Yes!
Of course you should admit that not all countries will rally behind you blood-thirsty regime. A few out of hundred will make difference in judging who the really leaders for people are.
You should be remind that not every nation is a honey moon companies as your “Most wanted” notorious has been moving freely with arm-in-shoulder.
Thumbs, up for Botswana leadership for not pardoning the ill-government of Khartoum murderers.
Kumsa Moroda
Sudan says not surprised by Botswana vow to arrest Bashir
Viva Botswana and S.Africa!!!!!! You are the only blessed among the cursed blood suckers of so called “African leaders”.
They are primitive parasites who run here and there to eradicate their hosts(“people”). Modern parasites don’t kill their hosts. A very good example is that of Meles Zenawi & Albashir. Chameleon Zenawi is trying to save the life of Albashir. Do you know why he is doing this????!!!!! Surely, he knows what follows if ICC succeeded with Albashir. He calls Mengisto a “butcher” but he is killing his own “people” at home(the Agnuaks, the Oromos, the Somalis, the Sidamas,etc). So, all world communities, governments,and even the other blood suckers so called “African leaders” should take care while dealing with this chameleon blood sucker!!!!!!!!! Otherwise, you will get your consequence turn by turn.