Chad informs Sudan that its ambassador to return Sunday

November 8, 2008 (KHARTOUM) – The Chadian government formally informed its Eastern neighbor that its envoy will arrive Khartoum tomorrow following resumption of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

Sudan official news agency (SUNA) quoted presidential adviser Mustafa Ismail as saying that the Chadian foreign minister Musa Faki notified him during a phone conversation.

Ismail announced that that the Sudanese ambassador will fly to Ndjamena on the same day.

Sudan severed diplomatic relations with Chad last May after accusing its neighbor of supporting a rebel raid on the Sudanese capital. However the tension between the two countries dates back to 2005 with each capital says the other is backing rebel movements.

Last August Sudan and Chad agreed to restore bilateral relations. The move was in response to a Libyan initiative to mend relations between the two neighbors.

Many observers expressed skepticism that relations would return to normal given the deep mistrust between the two governments.

Chad hosts thousands of Darfuri refugees who fled the five year conflict that killed 300,000 people and displaced 2.5 million.

(ST)