In a press statement on Monday, GCC Secretary General Abdulrahman Al-Atiyyah stressed his disapproval regarding accusations by the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) chief prosecutor against Sudanese President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir, ordering his apprehension for genocide in Darfur.
The Secretary General said "it is with our gratitude that we accept the noble intentions of the international judiciaries, yet at the same time we must negate any legal accusations that exceed the strict adherence of international law, presents continued double standards and regards justice and peace as two compatible principles." He expressed belief that a treaty issued by the ICC in regard, did not place any country under the obligation of its signature, complying with ICC policy that in event, does not place these countries under the ICC jurisdiction.
Only a small number of countries have signed the treaty prepared by the ICC in Rome, he added.
The ICC action was deemed a case of double standards by the GCC Secretary General, who indicated to an ICC overstepping of the fundamentals of international humanitarian law which should be imposed on all conflicts without discrimination, signifying to the continued aggression on the Palestinian people by Israeli occupation.
Al-Atiyyah emphasized that the ICC should not operate in isolation of efforts for peaceful settlements, stating that the respect of justice represents a vital assurance for a peaceful solution which in-turn pave the way to prospects of integrity and legal sovereignty.
The GCC’s full support of international humanitarian legislation was also underlined by Al-Atiyyah, who asserted in equal respect, the need to move forward in reaching a ceasefire settlement, adding that any destruction of peaceful negotiations and arrangements in Darfur, would only result in a damaging position.
