The Sudanese government and International Criminal Court (ICC) signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on providing information and realization of justice for the victims of the conflict in Sudan's Darfur region.
The two parties did not disclose the details of the memorandum.
However, sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the most important provisions include the full cooperation of the Sudanese authorities in facilitating access to victims and witnesses and collecting evidence.
ICC Prosecutor Karim Khan said the visiting delegation and the Sudanese government failed to agree on a specific date for handing over the ousted Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and other suspects to the court.
"The MoU helps provide the requested information and continue work with the victims, the survivors, and the civil society," said Khan at a press conference in Khartoum.
Khan revealed that the ICC would open an office in Sudan to collect further evidence to "build a solid case" and communicate with the various agencies of the Sudanese government.
Khan asked the Sudanese authorities to provide immediate access to all evidence, and this evidence is of critical importance to ensure that the work in the courtroom is successful.
The ICC had signed a memorandum of understanding with the Foreign Ministry last February, connected with Ali Kushayb. The court charged Kushayb with 31 counts of war crimes against civilians in several Darfur regions.
The prosecutor affirmed that the court is fully prepared to support the mechanisms and courts of justice in Darfur.
Khan, who described the Darfur civil war as a "dark chapter" in Sudan's history, said plans were underway for the ICC to collect further evidence to build a solid case and achieve justice at all levels.
Sources told Asharq Al-Awsat that the prosecutor touched on witness protection, noting that the court needs assistance to provide security for witnesses.
They said that the prosecutor seemed optimistic that the interim parliament in Sudan would ratify the Rome Statute soon.
"Transfer of any suspect is an important step but should be preceded and accompanied by substantive and ever-deepening cooperation," Khan said.
He indicated that his second visit to Sudan would be next November, and he will submit a report to the UN Security Council in December.
The ICC is demanding the extradition of Bashir, his former defense minister, Abdel Rahim Mohamed Hussein, and his former assistant, Ahmed Haroun, on charges of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes.
In 2005, the UN Security Council referred the Darfur case to The Hague. The decision stipulated the prosecution of government and army officials and tribal militia leaders for killings, displacement, and rape in Darfur.
