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Sudan reiterates rejection of ICC jurisdiction

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-07-14 09:23

KHARTOUM - Sudan's Cabinet reiterated on Sunday that it does not recognize of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and will refuse any decision or memorandum delivered by the court.

President Omar Hassan al-Bashir greets his supporters during a protest rally after reports that the International Criminal Court (ICC) may seek the arrest of Sudan's president for alleged war crimes, in Khartoum July 13, 2008. [Agencies]

The move came after reports that ICC's chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo planned to ask judges to issue arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on allegations of crimes against humanity in Sudan's western Darfur region.

Related readings:  Sudan's 'unremitting efforts' on Darfur appreciated  Sudan severs diplomatic ties with Chad

The Cabinet affirmed in a statement issued after an emergency session presided by President Bashir on Sunday that the government is able to maintain the country's sovereignty as well as its dignity.

It also confirmed that Sudan and its people are eager to spread peace all over the country as well as to hold the elections at the scheduled time.  

The Cabinet also asked the international community to take adequate steps to achieve peace and stability while stopping irresponsible and politically-motivated blackmailing against Sudan, pointing out that the issue of Darfur is an internal one which the Sudanese state is doing its best to handle.

The Cabinet further expressed its gratitude over the firm stance taken by regional and international organizations as well as friendly countries on the side of Sudan and its people.

Earlier, Sudanese Justice Minister Abdel-Basset Sabdrat condemned the ICC's procedures on the Sudanese region of Darfur as "political and anti-Sudan."

The Arab Lawyers Union on Sunday slammed the ICC decision to charge al-Bashir, calling it "a flagrant violation of international law, norms and human rights."

At the request of Sudan, the Arab League has been in consultation with Arab foreign ministers to hold an emergency meeting on the disputes between Sudan and the ICC.