Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Mr. Bernard MembeBy ASSAH MWAMBENE in Brasilia
The Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Mr. Bernard Membe hás backed Kenya saying it should not be condemned for not arresting the Sudanese President, General Omar Al-Bashir Who is most wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to answer charges of war crimes against humanity.
Speaking to the African Group, comprised mostly by African Ambassadors accredited to Brasilia, Brazil, the Minister backed the move, saying by inviting and failing to arrest General Al-Bashir Kenya was not committing any crime.
He said what Kenya did was in line with the African Union resolution that sees the current indictment of the Sudanese President as an obstacle to pursuit for comprehensive peace in Southern Sudan and raging civil strife in Darfur.
“Much as we don’t condone impunity, if pursuit for justice was in conflict with pursuit for peace, peace must prevail” the Minister told the well attended African group at the Tanzania Chancery here.
The Minister also noted that General Al-Bashir is a key player in the pursuit for peace in Sudan arresting him now would certainly undermine our efforts for peace and create a vacuum.
General Al-Bashir is wanted by the ICC to answer charges of war crimes against humanity in Darfur region.
On the situation in Somalia, the Minister said there was a notable progress in reversing the worst trends of piracy activities in the East African coast of the Indian Ocean and praised the intervention of a number of players in the crisis including the UN, Uganda, Burundi and the international community.
He said however that a lot needs to be done especially in reinforcing the peace keeping troops to the tune of 8000 and was hopeful that Ghana, Malawi and Senegal, which had promised to beef up the peace keeping force would do so.
The Minister also briefed the Ambassadors that Africa was still determine to ensure that the continent gets at least two permanent seat in the UN Security Council with veto power.
The Tanzanian Minister is leading a strong delegation to Brazil aimed cementing bilateral relations of between Tanzania and Brazil especially in the area of alternative energy and adding value to Tanzania Agriculture produce.
The Tanzanian Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Mr. Bernard Membe hás backed Kenya saying it should not be condemned for not arresting the Sudanese President, General Omar Al-Bashir Who is most wanted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) to answer charges of war crimes against humanity.
Speaking to the African Group, comprised mostly by African Ambassadors accredited to Brasilia, Brazil, the Minister backed the move, saying by inviting and failing to arrest General Al-Bashir Kenya was not committing any crime.
He said what Kenya did was in line with the African Union resolution that sees the current indictment of the Sudanese President as an obstacle to pursuit for comprehensive peace in Southern Sudan and raging civil strife in Darfur.
“Much as we don’t condone impunity, if pursuit for justice was in conflict with pursuit for peace, peace must prevail” the Minister told the well attended African group at the Tanzania Chancery here.
The Minister also noted that General Al-Bashir is a key player in the pursuit for peace in Sudan arresting him now would certainly undermine our efforts for peace and create a vacuum.
General Al-Bashir is wanted by the ICC to answer charges of war crimes against humanity in Darfur region.
On the situation in Somalia, the Minister said there was a notable progress in reversing the worst trends of piracy activities in the East African coast of the Indian Ocean and praised the intervention of a number of players in the crisis including the UN, Uganda, Burundi and the international community.
He said however that a lot needs to be done especially in reinforcing the peace keeping troops to the tune of 8000 and was hopeful that Ghana, Malawi and Senegal, which had promised to beef up the peace keeping force would do so.
The Minister also briefed the Ambassadors that Africa was still determine to ensure that the continent gets at least two permanent seat in the UN Security Council with veto power.
The Tanzanian Minister is leading a strong delegation to Brazil aimed cementing bilateral relations of between Tanzania and Brazil especially in the area of alternative energy and adding value to Tanzania Agriculture produce.
always have to make choices among priorities:
ReplyDeletejustice or peace,
right or benefit,
e.t.c.