Sudan opposition leader to meet rebel groups
October 22, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The leader of the National Umma Party (NUP) would meet soon with the Sudanese rebel groups to discuss ways to reach peaceful settlement to regional conflicts and democratic transformation in Sudan.
He also proposes, like the other opposition parties, to hold from a national unity government to administrate the country during an interim period followed by free general election after settlement of regional conflicts and agreement on constitutional principles.
No date has been yet announced for the meeting, as the former prime minister is still in Khartoum preparing his travel to Uganda where the leaders of rebel groups.
In a speech delivered at the commemoration of 21 October 1964 Revolution last Monday, Al-Mahdi reiterated his call for an agreement on a new regime in Sudan, stressing his opposition to the use of arms to achieve this goal.
He further urged all the forces opposed to Bashir’s regime to agree on the new regime charter in order to achieve democratic transition and a just and comprehensive peace within a united Sudan, as he said.
The head of parliamentary committee on security national and defence Mohamed Al-Hassan Al-Amin who is also NCP member, commended Al-Mahdi’s demarche expressing hope that he would succeed to persuade rebel groups to abandon armed struggle.
In statement to Ashoroog TV on Tuesday Al-Amin said they welcome any group that lays down their arms and resorts to peaceful competition thought the ballot box.
The Sudanese government refuses opposition’s demand for the formation of an interim government and parliament, calling on them to prepare themselves to compete freely in 2015 general elections.
For the alliance of rebel groups, the government proposes separate talks o Darfur and the Two Areas.
(ST)