EUFOR commander says ICC's issuance of arrest warrant against Sudan president could worsen Chad crisis

From Irish Herald Sunday March 01 2009:
Chad crisis could worsen, warns army chief

The Irish commander of the EU peace enforcement mission to Chad today warned the troubled African region could face a worsening humanitarian situation.

EUfor's Lieutenant General Pat Nash said the decision on issuing an arrest warrant for the President of neighbouring Sudan, expected this week, could have serious repercussions.

There are fears indicting Omar Hassan al-Bashir for war crimes could spark fresh violence in the volatile Sudanese Darfur area, spilling over into eastern Chad.

- - -

Up to 5,000 rebels are congregating on the Sudan side of the Chad border, being closely monitored by EEUFOR. To save more lives and give peace a chance, the UN Security Council must suspend any arrest warrant that may be issued against Sudan's President Al-Bashir.