Sudan cancels participation in Malaysia conference
June 18, 2011 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese government informed Malaysia that it will not be able to participate in the ninth Langkawi International Dialogue (LID) at any level due to “unforeseen circumstances”.
Sudanese president Omer Hassan al-Bashir canceled his appearance at the conference despite confirming his attendance beforehand. This came following outcry from rights groups and even officials from within the Malaysian government.
Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) over genocide and war crimes charges he allegedly masterminded in Sudan’s western region of Darfur.
Sudan’s foreign minister Ali Karti was reported to replace Bashir in leading his country delegation as a result. It is not clear if this reflected anger on the part of Khartoum.
The Malaysian Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department, Mohd Nazri Abdul Aziz said earlier this week that he would recommend at the cabinet meeting on Friday to withdraw Bashir’s invitation.
“I am taking this matter seriously and I want to discuss in the Cabinet because the Cabinet has decided that we should accede to the Rome Statute” Abdul Aziz was quoted as saying by Malaysian media.
“As such, I would strongly recommend to the government to withdraw the invitation,” he added.
Abdul Aziz said that if Bashir decides to fulfill the invitation it could have been an embarrassment to Malaysia.
“There’s a big issue about him not being arrested even though we are not a member of ICC yet” Abdul Aziz said.
Malaysia announced last March that it plans to ratify the Rome Statute which is the founding treaty of the court. However, as of now the Asian nation has no obligation to apprehend Bashir should he visit.
The top diplomat in Malaysia said that his country sent invitations to all heads of states.
“Do you think that a man who has been issued a warrant of arrest will come to Malaysia?” Anifah Aman said on Thursday.
The theme for LID 2011 which opens on Sunday is “Enhancing Smart Partnership for Socio-Economic Transformation”.
This year’s dialogue has been designed with the objective of expanding the existing social and economic network between Malaysia and the participating countries from Africa and the Caribbean.
(ST)
Sam.Eto
Sudan cancels participation in Malaysia conference
Why wouldn’t he come to Malaysia Mr. Minister, he is going to china next week. He’s been to Chad, Kenya and Djibouti who are members of the ICC. What the Minister forgot to mention was the boggy-man USA ordered you to cancel the invite, but before you could do anything the president said thanks but no thanks.
Marco A. Wek
Sudan cancels participation in Malaysia conference
Sami Eto, yes your criminal ICC wanted uncle went to the places you have mention but do you think the Boggy USA as you called think it is the right time to arrest him, your big belly uncle wouldn’t even go to bathroom without being arrested. They are not arresting now for the reason the know and when they think it is the right time to arrest the criminal, he will have nowhere to hide believe it or not.
Paul Ongee
Sudan cancels participation in Malaysia conference
The world of Omer Hassan Al-Bashir and his cronies are coming to an end. I wish it should not coincide with the end of CPA; otherwise more irrational excuses and cancellations of foreign trips are expected before July 9, 2011.
You cannot keep planting the seeds of war across the country and travels freely to destination of your choice to discuss the vitality of dialogue. How can you preach peace out there while you don’t practice it in your own house? What we should all know is that Bashir is a wounded animal who wants to die with countless people including his Popular Defense Forces (PDFs).
Malaysia is no Chad, Kenya or Djibouti. Unlike Sudan, Malaysia is an Islamic country with its unique political and economic system who listens sometimes to the voice of reasons.
Paul Ongee
Khartoum Watch
Sam.Eto
Sudan cancels participation in Malaysia conference
PUTRAJAYA: Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak said Sunday that Sudan’s absence at the Langkawi International Dialogue (LID) 2011 was in reaction to some of the comments made here about the attendance of the country’s president Omar al-Bashir at the dialogue, but stressed that Kuala Lumpur continued to maintain cordial ties with Khartoum.
The Prime Minister said there was some reaction (from Sudan) to some of the comments made here but it was the official position of the Malaysian government that was important.
“So they (the Sudan government) must understand that other people can voice their personal views but it is the official position of the Malaysian government that matters most,” he said.
“Foreign policy is between the Foreign Minister and the Prime Minister and whatever we decide is the policy of the Malaysian government” he said during a press conference on the sidelines of the three-day LID which began Sunday.
Najib said Bashir had been an active participant in the LID series and had attended the dialogue in 2002 and 2007.
He said Kuala Lumpur had very positive relations with Bashir who had studied in Malaysia, adding that Bashir had many warm feelings about Malaysia.
“LID is a forum to share experiences and views on development as well as an opportunity for us to try to play that kind of informal role to help towards influencing certain policies and actions that may result in bringing development in the world.
“We are aware of the problems in the South…the world is worried about the problems in the South and Malaysia can be an interlocutor to help and present not only our views but also the world views so that it will not escalate into a very serious problem,” he said.
Najib also said Malaysia was not yet a member of the Statute of Rome and, therefore, Kuala Lumpur was not obliged to comply with its decisions and, as such. It was not illegal for Malaysia to invite Bashir to attend the LID.
“On balance, after studying it…the Foreign Ministry and the government believe it was mutually beneficial for President Bashir to attend,” he said.
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Sudan cancels participation in Malaysia conference
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