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Sudan Unfazed by Rebel Threats

   Peter Clottey 11 May 2010

Photo: ASSOCIATED PRESS

   Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, in full military dress, greets army
   officers  as  as  he visits the military hospital, in Khartoum, Sudan,
   Thursday  April  22,  2010.  The  White  House had said Sudan's recent
   elections  are  an  essential step in the country's peace efforts even
   though they did not meet international standards. (AP Photo/Abd Raouf)

   A  leading member of Sudanâs ruling National Congress Party (NCP) says
   President  Omar Hassan Al-Bashirâs government will not kowtow (submit)
   to  threats  of   all-out  war issued by the Darfur-based Justice and
   Equality Movement (JEM) rebel group.

   Rabie  Abdulatti Obeid said the government has asked the international
   police  agency Interpol to arrest rebel leader Khalil Ibrahim after he
   refused to abide by a recent ceasefire agreement.

   âThe  warrant  of arrest that was issued by the minister of justice of
   the government of national unity mentioned that Dr. Khalil Ibrahim and
   his  movement  committed  a  lot  of  crimes in Darfur, as well as the
   crimes that were committed during the invasion of Omdurman,â he said.

   The  rebel  group  signed a ceasefire agreement with the government in
   February  after  President  Bashir  declared the war in Darfur âover.â
   But, the rebel group broke off further negotiations after accusing the
   government of attacking its positions.

   The  JEM rebel group threatened an all-out war if their leader, who is
   believed to be hiding in neighboring Egypt, is arrested.

   But, Abdulatti said the government is unfazed by the rebel threats.

   âI  donât  think  that  the  statement will threaten the government of
   Sudan  as  this  movement  has  no capacity to defeat the governmentâs
   military.  And, even in Darfur, I think that the people of Darfur they
   hate  the  Justice  and Equality Movement and are not in a position to
   accept   that   violation  committed  against  civilians  in  Darfur,â
   Abdulatti said.

   The  rebel  group  has  often accused President Bashirâs government of
   abdicating  its  responsibilities  by  attacking their positions - - a
   charge the administration denies.

   Abdulatti  blames  the  rebel group of failing to keep its side of the
   agreement.

   âBefore  even  signing  the first agreement with JEM, (the government)
   announced  a  ceasefire  from  one  side.  (But)  all  the  time,  the
   violations  have  come  from  the Justice and Equality Movement. I can
   confirm  that  our  government didnât violate (any agreement)â¦this is
   just   something   to   justify   their   unwillingness   to  continue
   negotiations,â Abdulatti said.

   The  Hague-based International Criminal Court has issued a warrant for
   President  Bashirâs  arrest  over  allegations he masterminded the war
   crimes committed in Darfur - a charge his supporters deny.

   Analyst  say President Bashir doesnât have the moral right to seek the
   arrest  of  a  rebel  leader  when  he faces international arrest over
   allegations of war crimes and crimes against humanity.

   But,  ruling  party  official  Abdulatti  said President Bashir is not
   bothered by the arrest warrant.

   âThat  accusation  by  the  International  Criminal  Court against our
   president, this is not concerning us at all because we are not members
   in this international court as we didnât agree on that treaty on which
   this  International Criminal Court was established. And, I donât think
   that  our  president  is  subject  to  this  trial  in  front  of  the
   International criminal Court as this is against the sovereignty of our
   country,â Abdulatti said.

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