EU to release Sudan’s frozen funds: Sudanese FM

KHARTOUM, Jan 16, 2005 (Xinhua) — Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismail announced here Sunday that the European Union (EU) would sign an agreement with the Sudanese government this month to release the country’s accounts frozen by the Union since 1991.

In a press statement, Ismail said a high-level Sudanese government delegation headed by Sudanese First Vice President Ali Osman Mohamed Taha will visit Brussels to sign the agreement.

“The delegation will pay a visit to a number of European capitals,” said the minister, adding that the tour will also highlight boosting bilateral relations.

Earlier, Sudanese State Minister for International Cooperation Ishraqa Sayid Mahmoud said the EU has promised to release the Sudanese accounts after the signing of a final peace accord between the Sudanese government and the Sudanese People’s Liberation Movement (SPLA).

She added that the Sudanese assets frozen by the EU amounted to 596 million Euros (about 786 US dollars).

Last Sunday, the Sudanese government and the SPLA signed the peace agreement in Kenya, finally putting an end to the 21-year civil war.