Press Release by Sudanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the Visit of British PM Tony Blair

KHARTOUM, Oct 6, 2004 (SUNA) — Following the Sudan News Agency publishes text of the Press Release issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the visit of British Prime Minister Tony Blair to Sudan on October 6, 2004:-

“Emanating from the special and historic ties between the Sudan and the United Kingdom and the keenness of the two countries to maintain and consolidate these ties, H.E. The Right Honorable Mr. Tony Blair, the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom made an official visit to Sudan on the 6th October 2004, during which he was received at the airport by H.E. Dr. Mustafa Osman Ismail, the Foreign Minister of the Sudan and met with H.E. Mr. Ali Osman Mohamed Taha, First Vice President and H.E. President Omer Hassan Ahmed Al-Bashir, President of the Republic of Sudan.

During the visit, consultations between the Sudanese and British leaders focused on bilateral relations, finalization of the IGAD peace process and meeting its needs and challenges, the restoration of stability in Darfur, peace and security in the IGAD region, and the strengthening of the African Union.

Discussion particularly highlighted the following areas of agreement:

– 1- Commitment of the Sudan and UK to closely work for the strengthening of bilateral relations, and the combating of terrorism.
– 2- The full support of the IGAD efforts to achieve a lasting and comprehensive peace in the Sudan and meeting the peace and development needs, including the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the war affected areas.
– 3- Commitment of the Government of the Sudan and the U.K. to the peaceful settlement of the Darfur conflict through negotiations and dialogue.
– 4- Full commitment of the two Governments to the leadership role and engagement of the African Union to address the situation in Darfur and the readiness of the two governments to support fully the role of the African Union in the quest for securing a solution to the problem of Darfur.
– 5- Full commitment to international partnership in assisting in the improvement of humanitarian situation in Darfur.
– 6- The agreement of the government of the Sudan to the expansion of the African Monitoring Force in Darfur and its commitment to cooperate and comply with the relevant AU and Security Council Resolutions.
– 7- Commitment of the two countries to the maintenance of peace and security in the IGAD region.
– 8- The duty of all parties in Darfur to take all necessary steps to respect International Humanitarian Law and Human Rights Law, the facilitation of the unimpeded access for humanitarian supplies and relief workers and the swift signing and implementation of the Humanitarian Protocol agreed upon in Abuja in Sept 2004.”