Charles Tannock says UN should force Sudanese President into exile or bring down full force of law

Charles Tannock, the Conservatives' foreign affairs spokesman in the European Parliament, has called on the UN Security Council to issue an ultimatum to Sudanese President Bashir. Having been indicted by the International Criminal Court (ICC) Bashir expelled nearly half the aid workers in the region.

Dr Tannock commented:

"Issuing an arrest warrant against a sitting head of state places the UN Security Council into some uncharted waters. While it is an important and welcome gesture, it will not have any impact unless it is clearly backed up by the resolve of the Security Council.

It is regrettable that China has been a lone voice in defending Bashir, or more importantly in defending its own economic interests in the region. However, the only way we can bring effect to the gestures of recent weeks is if it is clear Bashir will face the full force of international law.

The Security Council should give Bashir one last chance to leave the country and stop the killing, in exchange for which they would strike down the indictment. This would not be supporting a climate of impunity for crimes against humanity. Impunity would be allowing him to stay in Sudan and carry on perpetrating massacres of innocent people."