Arab leaders urged not to support those accused of Darfur atrocities

Doha: A coalition of human rights groups from across the Middle East is urging Arab nations not to protect Sudanese officials accused of atrocities in Darfur.

The statement by the Arab Coalition for Darfur does not specifically name Sudanese President Omar Al Bashir, who is accused by the International Criminal Court of war crimes in Darfur.

But the statement, issued Monday before an Arab League summit in Qatar, tells Arab leaders there should be no immunity for those accused of war crimes in Darfur.

Al Bashir is attending the summit. The Arab League has rejected the ICC charges, saying Al Bashir's arrest would worsen the conflict in Darfur.