UN secretary-general meets Sudanese foreign minister, lauds peace deal

NEW YORK, Oct 02, 2003 (SUNA) — Foreign Minister Dr Mustafa Uthman Isma’il, has met on the sidelines of the meetings of the UN General Assembly in New York with the UN secretary-general, Kofi Annan.

Annan expressed his pleasure that realizing peace in Sudan is imminent, and appreciated the patience and keenness of the Sudan government to reach peace agreement.

Annan stressed the UN readiness to boost the efforts for realizing peace and rehabilitating the war-affected areas.

Dr Isma’il has conveyed the thanks and appreciation of the president of the republic, Gen Umar al-Bashir, to the UN secretary- general for his continuous support to the peace process in Sudan.

He hoped that Annan would participate at the ceremony which will mark the signing of the lasting peace agreement in Sudan.

They also discussed the practical aspects pertinent to the UN role in the coming post-war period, including the continuity of humanitarian aid.

Meanwhile, Dr Isma’il touched on issues related to the resettlement of the displaced and refugees, and briefed the UN secretary-general on the latest developments in the region.

Annan has asked Dr Isma’il to convey his congratulations to President Al-Bashir over the progress in the peace talks, and lauded the patience of the first-vice president, Ali Uthman Muhammad Taha, and the wisdom of the two parties to the negotiations.