The Sudanese government has attacked the International Criminal Court for issuing an arrest warrant against President Omar al-Bashir, accusing the court of "double standards" and saying the move emboldens Darfur rebels and undermines peace efforts.
This is the full text of the government's statement, as posted on the website of the Sudanese Embassy in the United States:
Sudan strongly condemns the decision of the International Criminal Court's (ICC) Judges.
We reject this decision on the basis that it has no jurisdiction over us, as we are not a party to the Rome Statute that established it. We reject its pretension to authority over our sovereignty on the same principle that the United States, India, China and many others who aren't signatories stand on. We reject it because our own judicial institutions are as capable and independent as those of any other well functioning democracies in the world.
We are greatly concerned of the consequences of this politically motivated action and the security implications it portends for our people and country. For how else can such a pronouncement be perceived but as an attempt to derail our efforts?
It's a decision that will only work to escalate the immense suffering in Darfur as it without a doubt undermines the essential ongoing peace process in Doha. Compounding to this is the negative impact it will have on significant achievements so far made by the Sudanese, most saliently, on the Comprehensive Peace Agreement. It jeopardizes the current UN-AU Peacekeeping mission.
Above all, this decision, to the rebels, is a gesture that only emboldens them to continue employing violence against civilians to achieve political ends. It is a signal of encouragement for them to abandon the current negotiations for peace as clearly illustrated by rebel groups who've already stated their intention to storm the capital and now await this decision fully armed and ready to wreak chaos.
Sudan deems the court guilty of double standards in making decisions regarding the cases it goes after. Its pursuits to date are localized in Africa despite the fact that far more egregious crimes are being committed outside the continent. Iraq and Gaza suffice as examples.
Some of the more powerful non-signatory countries have gone as far as adopting measures that would allow the use of force to retrieve nationals detained by the Court. This reality alone is worrisome and unfortunate for it renders the ICC as a body that can only pursue cases selectively. Its credibility as an objective and impartial body is instantly weakened.
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Its case against Sudan is only an exercise of flexing muscles by targeting those it perceives as easy prey, those whose sovereignty, integrity and authority it can violate and override without international bother. It is a reality that exposes the court as a tool of the more powerful countries while typifying the appalling and misguided notion that Africans are incapable and must be patronized.
Sudan reiterates its traditional commitment to protect the UN Mission, diplomats and International community members. We are committed to resolving the outstanding issues and we reach out to those who seek peace in Darfur to support efforts currently underway to bring about a semblance of stability in the country.
Security for our citizens is a chief concern and ICC's decision is an impediment to this agenda. It should be cautious that its actions do not contribute to the suffering of our people. We reiterate that Sudan is not a party to the court. We retain our own very capable and vital institutions that have in the past prosecuted individuals deemed to have acted unlawfully in the course of this tragedy and will continue to render justice in the future. We will steadfastly oppose any attempts to infringe on our sovereignty. The fair minded people of the world standing with us now will continue to stand with us in support of our efforts for Peace and Justice.
