French envoy discusses Sudanese officials visits to Paris

May 31, 2008 (KHARTOUM) — The French ambassador in Khartoum discussed today preparations of the expected visits of two Sudanese officials to Paris in June.

Christine Robichon was received today by Nafi Ali Nafi to discuss the agendas of the visits to France of the Sudanese foreign minister at the end of June and the presidential adviser Mustafa Osman Ismail.

Since the rebel attack on the Sudanese capital earlier this month Sudanese officials insinuated that France had played a role in this attack. However, Madame Robichon denied these accusations.

In order to discuss to defuse this tension in the bilateral relations already affected by the presence of a rebel leader in Paris, the French authorities invited the two Sudanese officials.

In a press statement following the meeting The French envoy said she discussed the visits of the two officials in order to enhance the dialogue between the two countries.

France intends to reiterate its neutrality in the ongoing tension with the neighboring Chad. It also expected to speak about the efforts exerted by Paris to resolve Darfur crisis.

(ST)