An African Union (AU) panel led by former South African President Thabo Mbeki says it has not taken a stance on the International Criminal Court (ICC)'s indictment of Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir.

In a statement released today, the panel says it has not taken a position whether or not the intervention of the ICC in Sudan or the arrest warrants the Court has issued to Al-Bashir are appropriate. The ICC has indicted Bashir on seven counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, rape and torture.

Recently, African leaders at a summit in Libya considered a proposal that seeks to bind all member States of the AU not to cooperate with the ICC for the arrest and surrender of Al-Bashir. President Jacob Zuma, who was attending the AU summit, said there were efforts in Sudan to achieve peace.

He also indicated that African states are of the view that nothing can be done to deteriorate the current situation in that country. Zuma further highlighted the need for Sudan to be given a chance to make peace. About 30 African countries are signatory to the ICC treaty. Botswana has however indicated that they will arrest Al-Bashir should he go there.

According to the United Nations (UN), fighting between the government, its allies and a myriad of rebel groups in Sudan's western region has claimed as many as 300 000 people.