The filing of genocide charges against Sudan's president at the International Criminal Court (ICC) is unfair and politically motivated, said a senior member of Sudan's ruling party yesterday.

The head of Sudan's Bar Association and ruling party stalwart, Fathi Khalil said Sudan was not a member of the International Criminal Court and not bound by the decision of prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo.

"The prosecutor of the International Criminal Court with his announcement demanding the arrest of President al-Bashir has proved that he is playing a political role, not a legal one," Khalil said.

Khalil said the decision came after international pressure on the court, undermining its reputation and independence. He said neither the ICC nor the security council have the right to refer a country that is not a member to the ICC to the court.