Sudanese Envoy calls on Vice-President

Spread, July 31/2008

Story: Charles Benoni Okine

THE government has said it will not go against the position of the African Union (AU) which does not support the International Criminal Court (ICC) demands for the extradition of the Sudanese leader, President Oumar Al Bashir to the Hague for alleged war crimes.
He said Ghana belonged to the union and will not be in the position to unilaterally take a stand against the collective decision of the AU.
Vice President Alhaji Aliu Mahama, said this in a brief remark when he received a special message from the Sudanese leader on behalf of President Kufuor in Accra today.
The message was delivered by Mr Bona Malwal, Special Adviser to President Al Bashir, as part of efforts to solicit the support of African leaders against the decision of the ICC to prosecute the Sudanese leader for alleged war crimes against the people of Darfur.
Before the meeting plunged into a closed door session, the Vice President called on the international community to extend more logistical support to the AU Peacekeeping Force in Sudan to enable it protect itself and the people of Darfur against the rebels.
Since the announcement of the intentions of the ICC to cause the extradition of President Al Bashir to the Hague to face war crimes, rebels have attacked the AU peaceforce killing some innocent peacekeepers including a Ghanaian soldier.
Mr Malwal his part said the Sudanese people were very concerned about the intentions of the ICC.
“We are seeking African solidarity against the ICC” he said and noted that the decision was not the best for the people.
Mr Malwal described the ICC decision as an assault to entire continent of Africa and was, therefore not acceptable.
He said the AU Security Council has already expressed its concerns and all efforts would be made to ensure that the decision was reversed.