TIMELINE - The International Criminal Court and Sudan

(Reuters) - The International Criminal Court (ICC) issued an arrest warrant on Wednesday against Sudanese President Omar Hassan al-Bashir for war crimes in the conflict since 2003 in the western Darfur region.

Here is a timeline of ICC involvement in Darfur:

February 27, 2007 - ICC chief prosecutor names first two war crimes suspects in Darfur. Sudan says the ICC has no jurisdiction.

May 2, 2007 - ICC judges issue their first arrest warrants for suspects Ahmed Haroun and Ali Muhammad Ali Abd-al-Rahman, also know as Ali Kushayb. Sudan rejects arrest warrants.

July 14, 2008 - ICC chief prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo asks judges for an arrest warrant for Bashir on crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes in Darfur.

July 16, 2008 - Arab League says it is concerned at moves to indict Bashir. African Union later urges U.N. Security Council to suspend any indictment.

Nov 12, 2008 - Bashir declares a cease-fire in Darfur but rebels of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) say the announcement is not serious and vow to fight on.

Nov 20, 2008 - ICC prosecutor requests arrest warrants for Darfur rebels for the first time, accusing them of storming an African Union camp and killing 12 peacekeepers.

Feb 17, 2009 - Sudan's government and the JEM rebel faction agree to meet for peace talks, signing a deal that would mean concessions from both sides.

March 4, 2009 - The ICC issues an arrest warrant for Bashir on charges of war crimes and crimes against humanity in Darfur.