Sudan’s defense minister discusses referendum with Algeria’s president
October 6, 2010 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s defense minister arrived yesterday in Algeria to discuss the referendum on south Sudan’s self determination with the President Abdelaziz Bouteflika.
“We came to Algeria in the framework of continuous consultation with President Bouteflika,” said the Sudanese minister in statements reported by the official news agency in Alger.
“We intend to brief him on the situation in Sudan and about recent development there and consult him on these issues particularly Sudan will witness in three months the referendum on self determination,” he said.
“President Bouteflika, is an Arabic figure that has a weight and also have extensive relationships at the international level,” Abdelrahim said following his arrival there.
Relations between the two countries in the past were very poor. Alger in the past accused Khartoum of supporting the insurgent Islamists who waged war against the government in Algeria.
Alger also had good relations with the former rebels the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) who have governed south Sudan since a 2005 peace deal.
The visit also comes few a days before the Second Afro-Arab Summit in Sirte, Libya, where the African and Arab head of states and governments will meet on October 10.
The ruling National Congress Party in Khartoum is expected to seek to mobilize the support of the summit to the unity of Sudan three months before a key referendum on southern Sudan referendum.
(ST)