NAIROBI -- Kenya supports the decision taken by the African Union (AU) on the issue of accusations of genocide leveled against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.
Kenyan Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka said caution needs to be taken on the matter, saying it was premature for the International Criminal Court (ICC) at The Hague to issue warrant of arrest on President Omar El Bashir of Sudan.
Musyoka who spoke late Thursday noted that arresting the Sudanese President would further complicate the matters and may jeopardize peace efforts by the international community.
"We arresting the Sudanese President would complicate the matters further and this may jeopardize peace efforts by the international community," Musyoka told visiting Japanese Members of Parliament, led by the Chairman of the Japan - Africa Parliamentary Association, Tetsuro Yano, who paid him a courtesy call.
ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo on Monday accused Bashir of masterminding a genocidal campaign against three ethnic groups in Darfur and requested an arrest warrant on charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes.
Musyoka said Kenya has been at the forefront in seeking a lasting and peaceful solution to the Sudanese crisis and is not ready to see the country degenerate into a total turmoil.
Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit said Thursday accusations made by the International Criminal Court's (ICC) chief prosecutor against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir are "very dangerous."
Abul Gheit made the remarks at a press conference with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohamed Sabah al-Salem al-Sabah after a meeting of the Egyptian-Kuwaiti joint committee, the state MENA news agency reported.
Justice can only be achieved in Sudan through a political settlement, said Abul Gheit, stressing the importance of achieving stability and justice in the country.
Abul Gheit expected Arab foreign ministers, who were scheduled to discuss the disputes between Sudan and the Hague-based ICC on Saturday, to adopt a clear stance in this regard.
Meanwhile, Musyoka said Kenya values partnership with Japan in various fields of development, noting that since the start of the co-operation between the two countries, Kenya has so far received over 295 billion shillings towards support on various projects.
He pointed out that for the African continent to overcome challenges such as poverty, hunger and unemployment, there is need to put in place measures that would guarantee an enabling environment for both local and Direct Foreign Investments to flourish.
The vice president thanked Japanese government for standing in solidarity with Kenya during the post election crisis, saying that the country contributed 1.8 billion shillings (about $26,7 million) towards humanitarian and resettlement programs.
Musyoka, at the same time, said Kenya appreciates the contribution of Japan in the construction of Sondu Miriu power plant, infrastructural development and other areas of critical importance to the countries development.
He added that soon Japan may be considered in the renovation and expansions of the port of Mombasa to enable it handle more Cargo and serve the region effectively.
The vice president called for further strengthening of bilateral relations, particularly on the fields of trade and tourism, noting that trade balance was currently in favour of Japan.
Yano commended Kenya for resolving the post election crisis, and thanked the country's leadership for their sacrifices and bold move that saved the country from destruction.
Yano said his country is committed to promoting partnership with African states, particularly in the fields of trade and investment.
