Sudan angry - Malawi unsure of al-Bashir
2012-05-07 22:09
Khartoum - Sudan's ruling party on Monday rejected remarks by Malawi's president expressing reservations about welcoming the Sudanese leader to attend an African Union summit there.
Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir is wanted by the International Criminal Court on charges of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Sudan's Darfur region.
Malawi president Joyce Banda said a visit by al-Bashir would be frowned on by Malawi's international donors, but a final decision has not been made.
Banda's predecessor, Bingu wa Mutharika, who died in April, welcomed al-Bashir at a regional summit last year. The Sudanese leader has visited African, Asian and Middle Eastern countries despite the ICC warrants.
Ibrahim Ghandour, an official in Sudan's ruling National Congress Party, criticised Banda's remarks on Monday.
"It is ridiculous of President Banda to state that she wanted to reform her country's economy with the support offered by countries which have apparently incited her to take this position," he said.
The Darfur conflict has tapered off since 2009, but the UN estimates 300 000 people died and 2.7 million have been displaced.
- AP
