|
8 April 2009 Zalengei, Sudan - Sudanese President
Omar al-Bashir, wanted for alleged war crimes in
Darfur, said on Tuesday he would bring to justice
those responsible for crimes in the conflict-torn
region.
On his third visit to Darfur since March 4, when the
International Criminal Court (ICC) issued a warrant
for his arrest, Bashir said any "justice" would take
place only after reconciliation there.
"We know about justice between us and we know how to
solve our problems," he told a public rally. "We have
a committee for tribal reconciliation. After the
reconciliation we will investigate those who are
criminals."
The court has accused Bashir of criminal
responsibility for "exterminating, raping and forcibly
transferring large numbers of civilians" from Darfur,
where the United Nations says the conflict has cost
300 000 lives.
At Tuesday's rally in Zalengei, Bashir, wearing a long
grey jacket and holding his trademark cane, also
promised compensation for victims of the six-year-long
conflict in Darfur.
"This is all guaranteed; compensation will be paid.
Everyone will get their right. This is justice," he
said.
"Judgment is not with ICC prosecutor Louis Moreno
Ocampo or others. Our judgment is before God," he
added.
in 2008 Sudan promised to try a militia leader also
wanted by the ICC for crimes in Darfur but no trial
subsequently took place.
Bashir has denied the ICC's charges and Sudan says
10 000 people have died in the Darfur conflict, which
began after ethnic rebels took up arms against the
Arab-dominated Khartoum government, complaining of
discrimination.
He lashed out after the warrant was issued by
expelling 13 aid groups from Darfur, which the
Sudanese government accused of cooperating with the
ICC, and has defiantly embarked on several state
visits in the region.
He flew to Qatar late in march to attend an Arab
League summit which expressed its support for him. |
Save
Print
Add Comments To This Story