Originally published by the Voice of America (www.voanews.com).
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March 8, 2009

Sudan's Bashir, in Darfur, Threatens More Aid Groups Expulsions
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http://enews.voanews.com/t?ctl=22BB6FE:A6F02AD83191E16013C3D0881AD7C585A13B8D4F2090AB2B&
 
Mr. Bashir was greeted by thousands of cheering supporters Sunday after
flying into El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state 
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, 04 Mar 2009Sudanese President Omar
al-Bashir is making his first trip to Darfur since an international
court said it would seek his arrest for alleged war crimes in the
region. Mr. Bashir was greeted by thousands of cheering supporters
Sunday after flying into El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state.
The Sudanese president then addressed a rally in the town, where he said
his government would expel any aid groups, diplomats, or peacekeepers
who violate Sudanese law. Sudan has already closed 13 foreign aid
agencies since Thursday, when the International Criminal Court (or ICC)
issued a warrant for Mr. Bashir's arrest. Sudanese officials accuse the
aid groups of working with the ICC - an allegation the groups have
denied. United Nations officials have asked to Sudan to reverse its
decision, saying the expulsions will leave millions without adequate
food, water, or health care. ICC judges say Mr. Bashir was behind a
campign of murder, rape, torture, and other crimes against civilians in
Darfur, where the Sudanese government has been fighting rebels since
2003.Sudan denies the accusations and has refused to cooperate with the
court. The country's supporters, including China, Russia and Egypt, have
called on the U.N. Security Council to postpone the court's case against
Mr. Bashir. The council has the power to do so under a clause in the ICC
charter. Darfur rebels began an uprising against Sudan's government in
2003. The United Nations says the fighting and related violence have
killed more than 200,000 people. Sudan puts the death toll much lower,
at about 10,000.Some information for this report provided by AP, AFP and
Reuters.


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