Egypt warns against Sudan indictment

CAIRO, July 15 (UPI) -- The announced call for an indictment of Sudan's president for war crimes prompted warnings Tuesday from Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit.

International Criminal Court Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo presented evidence Monday after a three-year investigation that calls for an indictment of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on charges of war crimes. Tuesday Abul-Gheit warned the indictment could negatively affect security efforts in Sudan, the Egyptian government reported.

"This latest development could lead to deteriorating the security situation and political instability in Sudan in general and in Darfur in particular," Abul-Gheit said in a statement.

The Arab League envoy to Sudan Tuesday also voiced concern, saying Moreno-Ocampo overstepped his jurisdiction. Arab League officials say a meeting of all 22 member nations is scheduled for Saturday in order to discuss further action.

Abul-Gheit called on the international community to support Sudanese peace efforts. He also said Egypt would continue to push for a fixed timetable on the comprehensive peace agreement in Darfur.