KHARTOUM, August 18, 2008 (AFP) - Sudanese President Omar al-Beshir headed to Istanbul on Monday for an Africa-Turkey summit, his first trip abroad since the International Criminal Court prosecutor called for his arrest over war crimes in Darfur.

Beshir last month became the first head of state accused by ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo, who cited 10 counts of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide in the war-wracked region of Darfur.

Sudan flatly refuses any recognition or dealings with the ICC. Instead Khartoum has embarked on a diplomatic campaign to freeze any proceedings against Beshir and insists on the effectiveness of its own courts.

US-based Human Rights Watch said it has sent a letter to Turkey voicing its concern that it has chosen to welcome Beshir at this time.