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AFRICA 
Smith warns of Sudan violence
Tuesday, 15 July, 2008
A peacekeeper with the UN African Union mission in Sudan. (Getty Image)
Foreign Minister Stephen Smith says war crimes charges against Sudanese President Omar al-Beshir could trigger more violence in the war-torn country.
The ICC's top prosecutor has called for the arrest of al-Beshir for genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur.
VIDEO: Sudan head indicted for genocide
Mr Smith told ABC Radio that Australia very strongly supports the court which he says has a valuable role to play in bringing people to account for war crimes and genocide.
Smith's warning follows a recent attack on UN peacekeepers in Sudan, and was echoed by the chairman of the African Union, who warned of "military coups and widespread anarchy" ahead of the International Criminal Court's indictment of el-Beshir. The joint UN-AU peacekeeping mission in Darfur said Monday it would evacuate its non-essential staff but keep its troops in place.
The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has warned Australians considering travel to Sudan not to do so. A statement on its website advises Australians currently located in the country to avoid the capital, stay indoors and leave the country when safe. Australia does not have a consulate in Sudan, and relies on its embassy in neighbouring Egypt to assist travellers there.
"Politically-motivated demonstrations and rallies occur. You should avoid all rallies and demonstrations as participants and bystanders have been killed," DFAT's website warns.
Source: AAP
