SUDAN WELCOMES MORE MALAYSIAN NGOS IN DARFUR

KUALA LUMPUR, March 30 (Bernama) -- Sudan wants more Malaysian
non-governmental organisations (NGOs) to carry out humanitarian work in the
troubled western province of Darfur.

The Sudanese President's advisor, Dr Mustafa Osman Ismail, said the
Malaysian Red Crescent Society, for example, could make its presence there to
undertake humanitarian and other related works, along with similar organisations
from Muslim countries already serving there.

"Of course, we welcome more Malaysian NGOs...the presence of the Malaysian
Red Crescent will definitely be of much help to the people of Darfur," he added.

He said this when asked to comment on Sudanese President Omar Hassan
Al-Bashir's statement three days ago, that he would welcome new humanitarian
"partners" in Darfur, following the expulsion of 13 Western aid agencies for
threatening the security of Sudan.

Dr Mustafa, who is also Sudan National Congress external relations secretary
and a former foreign minister, was speaking to Bernama in an exclusive interview
at the residence of the Sudanese Ambassador to Malaysia, Nadir Yousif Eltayeb,
here Sunday.


Dr Mustafa, who arrived here on Wednesday to participate in the opening
ceremony of the Umno General Assembly, said Mercy Malaysia currently served the
people in Darfur in healthcare services.

He suggested that Mercy Malaysia increase its support and presence there.

Meanwhile, Dr Mustafa called on the international community to strive for
the abolishment of the International Criminal Court (ICC) which on March 4, had
issued an arrest warrant on the Sudanese president for what it claimed as
alleged war crimes in Darfur.

He accused the ICC as practising "double standards" as it had only targetted
African countries in its pursuit of those alleged to be involved in war crimes.

Sudan is not a party to the ICC and does not recognise its jurisdiction.


-- BERNAMA