Bush to see how Beshir arrest warrant 'plays out'

WASHINGTON (AFP) - US President George W. Bush said Tuesday he wanted to see how an international prosecutor's arrest warrant for Sudanese President Omar al-Beshir "plays out," but that Khartoum could face more sanctions.

Bush said since the United States is not a party to the International Criminal Court, which issued the arrest warrant on war crimes charges this week, Washington would "see how that plays out," he told a news conference. 

"My thought on Sudan is that the United Nations needs to work with this current government to get those troops in to help save lives," he said.

Bush highlighted the need to ensure the north-south agreement on oil sharing "stays intact," and said that violence in Darfur was also a key concern.

"The other aspect obviously is Darfur. It's a very, very complex issue. We're trying to work with the rebel groups so they speak more with one voice, trying to work with Beshir to make sure he understands there will be continued sanctions if he doesn't move forward," Bush said.

The ICC chief prosecutor on Monday sought an arrest warrant against Beshir on 10 counts including war crimes and the use of rape to commit genocide in Darfur, raising fears of a violent backlash.

The United Nations was pulling non-essential staff from Darfur on Tuesday as Islamist protesters rallied behind Beshir over allegations he masterminded a campaign of genocide in the region.

The African Union-United Nations peacekeeping mission said it would be flying out non-essential staff to Ethiopia and Uganda, despite pledges from Sudan to protect peacekeepers and aid workers in the country.