Bashir, Musa discuss deployment of Arab troops in Darfur

KHARTOUM, Oct 3 (KUNA) — Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir and Arab League Secretary-General Amr Musa on Tuesday discussed deployment of Arab forces in Darfur to support African peace-keeping forces in the troubled province.

Presidential press Secretary Mahjub Fadul Bedry told reporters after the meeting that talks focused on reinforcing the situation in Darfur and supporting the African Union (AU) forces there with Arab-African forces, in addition to receiving UN logistic and material support.

The Arab summit, held in Khartoum last March, called on Arab African countries to send more troops to join the AU force.

Musa discussed with Sudanese Foreign Minister Lam Akol Ajawin on Tuesday the situation in Darfur and the implementation of UN Security Council Resolution 1706 on deploying international forces in the western province.

He told reporters following the meeting that talks focused on Arab stances on recent developments on this issue, as well as upcoming Arab League meetings as Sudan was holding the rotating chairmanship.

The Secretary General is scheduled to meet with President Omar Hassan Al-Bashir and Vice President Osman Taha later today.

Musa arrived in Sudan on Monday 2 October night for a two-day visit to discuss a number of ideas on Sudan’s positive position towards the international community and the latest developments over the Darfur issue.

(ST/Kuna)