Eritrean president holds talks with Umma party leader

13 Sept 2005 (ASMARA) — Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki today held talks with the delegation headed by the Chairman of the Sudanese Umma Party and leader of Ansar, Sadiq Al-Mahdi.

In the meeting, Mahdi gave a detailed briefing on the political developments in Sudan in general and the Sudanese peace process after the Naivasha agreement in particular.

The Umma Party leader went on to say that the Naivasha agreement is just the beginning and not the a conclusive peace agreement he pointed out that issues of Darfur and East Sudan as well as the question of democracy and a comprehensive peaceful solution to the Sudanese problem needs to be discussed and guaranteed by the entire Sudanese people it is difficult to ensure peace and stability in Sudanese and the region as a whole.

Recalling the historic friendly and brotherly ties between the peoples of Eritrea and the Sudan, Sadiq Al-Mahdi praised the positive role the Eritrean Government played and continues to play in the struggle of the Sudanese people and its stability. He also called on Eritrean government to contribute to a settlement of the still unresolved issues in Sudan.

Citing the role Eritrea had played towards ensuring the success of the Naivasha peace agreement, President Isaias said “Peace and stability in the Sudan means peace and stability in Eritrea.” He further asserted that Eritrea will continue its effort in the remaining issues for the mutual interest of the people of the two countries.

The two parties also agreed to strengthen relations between the Sudanese Umma Party and the PFDJ.

(Shabait/ST)