Prosecutor downplays al-Bashir issues

KHARTOUM, Sudan, July 5 (UPI) -- An International Criminal Court prosecutor says his work against Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir will not be impacted by the African Union.

Prosecutor Luis Moreno Ocampo said while African Union members have decided not to arrest Bashir should he enter their countries, the lack of cooperation does not mean they feel Bashir is innocent of war crimes charges, the BBC reported Sunday.

"No one is saying he's innocent," Ocampo said.

Bashir stands accused of orchestrating attacks on civilians in his country's Darfur region, as well as a number of crimes against humanity.

The Sudanese leader has maintained his innocence, saying he was simply attempting to contain rebels in the troubled region.

Ocampo told the BBC African states would have to make independent decisions regarding how they will deal with the Sudanese official should he visit their lands.