Saudi Arabia ‘Disturbed’ by Arrest Warrant against Sudan President
Photo of King King Abdullah bin Abdel-Aziz courtesy of the Sudan TribuneSUDAN TRIBUNE: RIYADH – The Saudi government today said it was “disturbed” by the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) decision last week to issue an arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir.
“The council of ministers said the kingdom is concerned and disturbed by the International Criminal Court’s decision to arrest his Excellency President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir” the Saudi Information Minister Abdul Aziz al-Khoja told reporters following a regular cabinet meeting led by King Abdullah bin Abdel-Aziz.
“This will not solve the problems in Sudan. On the contrary, it will complicate them” al-Khoja said.
The ICC judges issued an arrest warrant for Bashir on seven counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, which include murder, rape and torture. The three-judge panel said it had insufficient grounds for genocide.
Saudi Arabia joins the bulk of Arab states that expressed concern over the indictment without criticizing the court and urging the UN Security Council (UNSC) to invoke Article 16 of the Rome Statute that would suspend ICC proceedings against Bashir for a period of 12 months that can be renewed indefinitely.
“The kingdom will stand by Sudan in facing all that could threaten its sovereignty and territorial unity” he added.
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