Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir The Sudanese president’s press advisor Emad Sayed Ahmed confirmed to Arabstoday the presence of Sudanese president Omar al-Bashir in the 23rd Arab Summit in Iraq. Bashir travelled to Iraq on Wednesday while leading the Sudanese delegation.
The Sudanese government revealed strict security measures were being taken for the visit, as a special delegation arrived in Iraq on Tuesday for this purpose.
The visit has been subject of much controversy, specifically on the back of broadcasts by the Iraqi News Agency regarding a request submitted by the Iraqi Criminal Court to arrest Bashir on accusations of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur.
The Iraqi Ambassador to Khartoum, Saleh Tamimi, said earlier in an interview with Arabstoday that Iraq welcomed Bashir’s visit and that his participation in the Summit was important.
He added that “Sudan is an active member in the Arab League”.
Bashir spoke last Monday with Iraqi President Jalal Talabani, while some claim the conversation was about the arrangements of his visit and his security in Baghdad.
The Sudanese government previously stated that Bashir’s external visits require arrangements from Sudan as well as from the host countries.
Bashir’s visit to Baghdad comes in the midst of an escalating dispute with the International Criminal Court (ICC). Supporters of Bashir have urged him to boycott the summit, believing his participation will be risky, particularly in light of the current situation in Iraq and US influence there.
Bashir has visited several states such as Qatar and Saudi Arabia, but his visit to Iraq is of great significance.