The Chinese Foreign Ministry said on Thursday it hoped the situation in Darfur would not be complicated by any attempted prosecution of Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir.

China was deeply concerned about the International Criminal Court's (ICC) attempted prosecution of the Sudanese leader, said spokesman Liu Jianchao at a press conference.

An ICC prosecutor on Monday sought the arrest of al-Bashir, charging him with war crimes in Darfur.

Liu said the international community held different views on this issue, noting countries concerned were discussing the issue within a certain framework. He said China was ready to continue an exchange of views with them on the issue.

He said China proceeds from safeguarding peace and stability of Sudan and realizing peace, stability and development in the Darfur region to handle related issues.

(Xinhua News Agency July 18, 2008)