JEDDAH: The arrest warrant issued by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for President Omar Bashir is a blow to the country’s stability and undermines ongoing peace efforts in Darfur, Sudan’s Consul General Mahmoud Fadl Abdul Rasul said at a press conference in Jeddah yesterday.
“The court order gives a wrong signal to armed groups in the region and would stall ongoing peace efforts in Darfur,” Abdul Rasul said.
The consul general also expressed fear that the court’s move would worsen the situation in Darfur in other ways.
Although he has not received any official report from Sudan, the consul general did not think the court’s decision would restrict Bashir’s free movement in the Arab and African countries.
“Sudan has been targeted because of its rich natural resources,” the Sudanese envoy said. Describing the ICC’s move as a violation of Sudan’s sovereignty, the diplomat said, “The ICC order is an attempt to destabilize the country.”
The Bashir government has taken progressive steps to reform the country such as enacting new election rules, holding a population census and successfully handling a number of other issues, the envoy said.
“Sudan is not bound by the ICC order as the country is not a member of the court nor a signatory of its charter. Therefore, we reiterate our refusal to obey the arrest warrant. We will hold the international community responsible for the consequences of and repercussions to the arrest warrant. We are fully aware that the order is flawed, arbitrary and aimed at interfering in the country’s internal affairs,” the consul general said.
He, however, assured Sudan would be committed to all international charters and conventions. It would protect foreigners present in the country in their official capacities such as the staff of diplomatic missions and consulates, and international as well as regional voluntary organizations so long as they do not pose a threat to the sovereignty of the country or its national security, he said.
It is known that Sudan has implemented all of its international commitments and maintained cordial relations and cooperation with the international community, he added.
He urged the United Nation’s Security Council to play its role without any ambiguity and without ignoring facts. He also called on the Security Council not to resort to double standards when dealing with Sudan.
He demanded the council to realize the contradiction in the conduct of the International Criminal Court while it issued an arrest warrant against Bashir.
