Sudanese ambassador to the United Nations, Abdalmahmood Abdalhaleem Mohamad, spoke briefly at the United Nations Security Council stakeout today about the indictment by International Criminal Court Chief Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on charges of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity. Ambassador Mohamad criticized both the ICC’s position, as well as Ocampo’s statement as “weak,” and stated that “vis-a-vie peace and security” in Darfur, the international community must reject the indictment.
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Abdalmahmood Abdalhaleem Mohamad, Sudan’s ambassador to the United Nations, briefed the press at UN headquarters in New York today regarding the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) indictment of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.

Ambassador Mohamad repeatedly denounced the indictment by ICC chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo, and rejected “in the strongest possible terms” the charges of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.

The ambassador strongly asserted that “we do not recognize the authority of the ICC” and that “we consider this move as an affront” to the sovereignty to Sudan.  He also claimed that the charges are politically motivated, stating  “[Ocampo] only wants to settle political scores.”  When pressed on what specific political “scores” motivate Ocampo, ambassador Mohamed quickly changed the subject.

Regarding resolution of the Darfur crisis, the ambassador stated, “Darfur problems better be addressed by the Sudanese” and that international support should be “complimentary” to the efforts of the Sudanese government.

Ambassador Mohamed confidently expressed that the President’s travel schedule would not be interrupted, and that the ambassador would be surprised if President Bashir did not attend the United Nations annual General Assembly meeting in September.

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Listen to the full audio of Sudanese Ambassador to the United Nations Abdalmahmood Abdalhaleem Mohamad’s statement on the indictment of President Omar al-Bashir by the ICC. (16:39)

Soudbite audio below.

 

 Sudan Ambassador on ICC Indictment Full Statement: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Sudan Ambassador Condemns ICC Indictment: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Sudan Ambassador on Working with ICC: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Sudan Ambassador on Exemptions from ICC: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

 

 Sudan Ambassador on Political Process: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Details are emerging of a fresh attack in North Darfur on a United Nations - African Union Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID) .   The ambush happened between the villages of Gusa Jamat and Wadah (see map below) at 2:45 local time and killed approximately seven peacekeepers, and wounded another 22 more.  The United Nations is reporting that “heavy weapons” were used, and that the scurmish lasted approxmately two hours.

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has condemned the attacks, and called for local and national actors to be mindful of previous commitments to the on-going peace process.  Mr. Ban also issued his condolences to the family members affected by the attack.

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Audio: A statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General regarding the attacks on UNAMID forces in North Darfur. Download. (1:33)

 

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The United Nations Security Council will go to five nations in Africa, including Sudan and Somalia, over the next week. The press was briefed today about the pending trip by Ambassador Michel Kafando of Burkina Faso; Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert of France; Ambassador Dumisani Kumalo of South Africa; and Ambassador John Sawers of the United Kingdom.

In Somalia, the Security Council will meet with the current government - including the President and Prime Minister, opposition parties, diplomatic community, and “civil society.” Ambassador Kumalo indicated that “all the major players will be there,” and that this is a “great opportunity for the Somalis.”

Regarding the Sudan leg of the trip, the panel indicated that the Security Council will visit Khartoum in the North, as well as Juba and President Salva Kiir in the South. The Sudan leg will focus heavily on Darfur, as well as the progress made by the United Nations African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID). Mr. Sawyers stated that it is “clear that UNAMID is building up it’s capability,” but that “there is more to be done.”

Mia Farrow of Dream for Darfur says that the United Nations has been unable to standup against Sudan and the genocide that is unfolding there. (0:19)

 

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Mia Farrow, chair of Dream for Darfur, says that the peace process in Sudan is in peril and suggests that a North-South conflict could emerge within weeks. (0:28)

 

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