US Embassy reiterates opposition to travel by Sudan’s President Al Bashir

The US Embassy in Khartoum has reiterated the USA’s opposition to international travel by any person subject to outstanding International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants, including Sudan’s President Omar Al Bashir.

The statement today is in response to reports this week that Al Bashir has been invited to an Islamic-American summit that will take place in Saudi Arabia on 20-21 May. The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) strongly protested the invitation, and called on activists and US leaders to voice their concern as well.

“In response to rumours recently circulating in the media, the US Embassy Khartoum reiterates that the United States has made its position with respect to Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir’s travel clear,” the statement says.

“We oppose invitations, facilitation, or support for travel by any person subject to outstanding International Criminal Court (ICC) arrest warrants, including President Bashir. Also, there has been no change to Sudan’s inclusion on the United States’ State Sponsor of Terrorism list (SSTL).

“We have been quite clear with the Government of Sudan on the steps that need to be taken for us to consider delisting, as well as what would be required to make progress in easing economic sanctions.”

Sanctions

In an exclusive interview with Radio Dabanga this week, former US special envoy to Sudan and South Sudan Donald Booth expressed his view on the plan he worked on. “The five tracks are the beginning of a process, for the mutual confidence that was needed in order to address these very difficult issues of human rights and good governance.”