Following the International Criminal Court's decision seeking to arraign the President of Sudan before the Court on charges of committing crimes in Darfur, the Council of Heads of Arab Permanent Missions to the United Nations Office in Geneva expresses its solidarity and full support to the Government and the brotherly people of Sudan. It also shows grave concern over the consequences of this decision that could jeopardize not only the peace and stability process in Sudan, but the region as a whole.
The Council would like to take this opportunity to remind of the Sudan's cooperation with the international community through its different mechanisms, which were positively reflected in the agreement to allow a joint UN — African Union force to undertake peacekeeping in Darfur. It stresses as well the full cooperation of Sudan with the Human Rights Council in Geneva.
The Council of Heads of Arab Permanent Missions in Geneva underlines its rejection of the policy of selectivity and double standards, contrary to the principle of justice, considering that such an approach would undermine efforts to achieve national reconciliation at the national level and give negative signals to the rebel movements to continue and even intensify their military operations against the government.
Therefore, the Council of Heads of Arab Permanent Missions in Geneva calls upon the international community, at this critical juncture undergone by Sudan, to give priority to the political process, for being the best option to improve security and humanitarian situation of the citizens of Darfur. It also demands the cessation of escalation and unfair campaign against Sudan and its leaders.
(Unofficial Translation)
15 July 2008