Arab ambassadors to AU and Ethiopia warn against Bashir indictment
By SSI staff writer
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia- The group of Arab nations’ ambassadors to the African Union and Ethiopia on Wednesday July 16, 2008 have expressed their concerns over the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) to seek an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al Bashir.
In a communiqué the group warned that the indictment might prove detrimental to the efforts to bring lasting peace in Darfur and South Sudan. The group called the move a ‘political decision’ leveled against   Sudan through the ICC.
“The situation is very serious and very dangerous,” warns the communiqué.
The ICC’s chief prosecutor is seeking an arrest warrant for the Sudanese president on charges of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide, for his role in the conflict in the western region of Darfur. The announcement had prompted protests in Sudan, including opposition political parties who have expressed their concern with the announcement.
The European Union has meanwhile reiterated its support for a negotiated political solution for the Darfur crisis, but steered clear of support or criticism of the indictment of the Sudanese leader.
In a statement earlier this week, the EU said it was up to the judges at the ICC to decide on the appeal by prosecutors who have applied for an international arrest warrant for President el-Bashir.
“The European Union has taken note of the statements made by the prosecutor of the ICC concerning the crimes committed in Darfur. It is now up to the judges of the pre-trial chamber to determine what action they intend to take in response to the request issued by the prosecutor,” reads the statement.
The EU mission, however, was categorical that arrest warrants issued by the same court against Sudanese officials Ahmed Harun and Ali Kushayb be executed. It urged the Sudanese Government of National Unity and all parties, groups and movements in Darfur to work towards the objectives of the North-South peace agreement