Egyptian president, Sudanese counterpart discuss Darfur crisis

CAIRO, July 15, 2004 (MENA) — Egyptian Presidency spokesman Majid Abd-al-Fattah said talks held here on Thursday between President Husni Mubarak and his visiting Sudanese counterpart Omar al-Bashir covered distinguished bilateral relations, especially following the signing of the four freedoms agreements.

In statements to reporters following the talks, Abd-al-Fattah said the two leaders reviewed the latest positive developments in relations between north and south Sudan which were reflected in the signing of Nairobi Declaration and the six peace protocols.

President Mubarak asserted Egypt’s full support for the Sudanese government’s efforts to push forward development in north and south Sudan in order to protect the country’s unity.

The two sides tackled the situation in Darfur, especially in light of the joint statement by the Sudanese government and the UN secretary-general and the visit to Sudan recently by US Secretary of State Colin Powell.

The spokesman said Bashir reiterated Sudan’s keenness on settling Darfur problem as quickly as possible.

Abd-al-Fattah said the Sudanese government is controlling the situation in Darfur and is working on settling the problem of refugees.