THE HAGUE, Netherlands — Judges at the International Criminal Court have decided to issue an arrest warrant for President Omar Hassan al-Bashir of Sudan, brushing aside diplomatic requests to allow more time for peace negotiations in the conflict-riddled Darfur region of his country, according to court lawyers and diplomats.
It is the first time the court has sought the detention of a sitting head of state, and it could further complicate the international debate over how to solve the crisis in Darfur.
Ever since international prosecutors began seeking an arrest warrant last year, opponents have pressed the U.N, Security Council to use its power to suspend the proceedings. But a majority of council members have argued that the case should go forward, saying Bashir has not done enough to stop the bloodshed to deserve a reprieve.
