International Criminal Court prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo formally called Monday for the arrest of Sudan's President Omar al-Beshir for genocide, crimes against humanity and warcrimes in Darfur.
   
"ICC Prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo has presented evidence today showing that the Sudanese President committed the crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur," his office said in a statement.
   
"... the Prosecutor has concluded there are reasonable grounds to believe that (Beshir) bears criminal responsibility in relation to 10 counts of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes."
   
United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon was quoted in an interview Monday as saying he was "very worried" by the possibility of Beshir's indictment, which would be the first of a sitting head of state by the ICC.
   
"It would have very serious consequences for peacekeeping operations including the political process," he told Le Figaro newspaper. "I'm very worried, but nobody can evade justice."
   
Khartoum, which rejects the ICC's jurisdiction and refuses to surrender two war crimes suspects already named, has warned the move could threaten peace efforts.
   
Arab and African leaders have also warned of the consequences.
   
The African Union's Peace and Security Council "expressed its strong conviction that the search for justice should be pursued in a way that does not impede or jeopardize efforts aimed at promoting lasting peace."
   
The Arab League said it would hold crisis talks on Sudan, while the Organisation of the Islamic Conference warned of "grave ramifications".