29.11.11 - KENYA/SUDAN - KHARTOUM EXPELS KENYAN AMBASSADOR OVER AL-BASHIR ARREST WARRANT

Arusha, November 29, 2011 (FH) - Sudan Government has recalled its Ambassador in Nairobi for consultations and requested the Kenyan Ambassador to leave Sudan within 72 hours, after a Kenyan Judge yesterday issued a warrant of arrest for President Omar al-Bashir.

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A communiqué issued by Sudanese Embassy in Nairobi stated that Sudan Government had received with dismay the Kenyan High Court ruling regarding the arrest warrant for Sudan's President, wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) for genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity committed in Dafur, Western Sudan.

The communiqué stated that the ruling had to do with the sovereignty of Sudan and that it is very difficult for the Sudanese Government to accept the interference of an international NGO to hamper the relations between the two countries.

 Al-Bashir is the subject of two arrest warrants issued by the ICC for atrocities committed in Darfur in western Sudan. The first was issued in March 2009 on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity. The second was issued in July 2010 on charges of genocide.

 The ruling of the Kenyan court followed the case brought by the Kenya chapter of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ), an association of legal professionals that promotes human rights.

According to the ruling handed down by Kenya Judge Nicolas Ombija, the arrest should be effected by the Attorney General and the Minister for Internal Security should President Al-Bashir set foot in Kenya.

Since the ICC issued the arrest warrant against him in March 2009, al-Bashir has visited Chad, Malawi and Kenya.

 NI/ER/GF

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