Sudan Denounces Ocampo's Accusations

The following is being issued by the Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan:

The stupefying recklessness of the ICC's Prosecutor in making his announcement on Monday where he revealed his pursuit of an arrest warrant for President Bashir on account of some obscene and preposterous charges, has not only prompted his condemnation by the Sudanese citizens affronted by these libelous accusations, but has also drawn sharp criticism from those international actors who recognize the implications of this careless move.

The so-called Prosecutor presented evidence allegedly implicating President Bashir as the mastermind of a genocide campaign. Notwithstanding the fact that United Nations (composed of the same constituency that largely makes up the ICC) exonerated the Government a long time ago of any such conspiracies, the logic upon which Ocampo's strategy for painting the conflict as genocide is based is infantile and silly. The tragedy of Darfur is not an occasion which any morally sensible individual should distort for political gains, or in any way capitalize on.

Recognizing the move for what it really is, the African Union has taken a strong stance, voicing a fundamental "concern with the misuse of indictments against African leaders." For it is apparent that the ICC is merely another instrument of the wealthier and mightier States to subordinate and violate the sovereignty of the weaker. The Arab league also released a statement and warned of "politicization of the ICC." The court's claim to objectivity and "independence" is simply offensive and insulting to the intelligence of the world especially in view of its current insistence on keeping its eyes shut to the grave crimes committed outside Africa by the more formidable States.

Sudan reiterates its full commitment to justice, and has strong institutions in place that ensure its observation. The country is not interested in making any covenants with the court, just as various other countries, including the U.S. India and China aren't signatories. The Prosecutor must recognize the limits of the court's jurisdiction which, as conferred upon it by its founding mandate, is confined to its 106 constituencies.

Sudan will not be detracted from its mission of achieving peace and stability within its vast territory and will continue to work closely with its partners and allies to realize this goal. It is committed to fulfilling its obligations to protect the Humanitarian relief workers and Aid groups while ensuring the safety of the UN-AU force in the peacekeeping mission. Sudan urges and calls upon friends, regional actors and the peace-loving world for support in this endeavor.

CONTACT: Embassy of the Republic of the Sudan Information Office, 202-338-8565, 202-667-2406