NGOs being "investigated" by Sudan gov't for colluding with the ICC for colluding with ICC

From Rob Crilly's blog post
Diplomatic Games in Khartoum
Tuesday, March 10, 2009 - excerpt:

The U.S. embassy in Khartoum has authorised the voluntary evacuation of non-essential staff

"This is one step down from an ordered evacuation of non-essential staff," the official told Reuters, declining to be named due to the sensitivity of the issue. The official said the decision was partly a diplomatic move in reaction to Sudan's expulsion and harassment of aid groups.

The statement included a reference to security risks but don't be fooled. This is the end of any pretence that there could be business as usual with a head of state indicted for war crimes.The question now is what Sudan will do in response. I'm told more aid agencies are being "investigated" for colluding with the ICC and more expulsions are expected. The diplomatic community is also braced for receiving its marching orders. France, America and Britain are the most likely to be targeted and it seems that the US is getting in its retaliation early.

Things can only get worse from here.