Sudanese Islamist opposition party to ‘revitalize’ its activities

KHARTOUM, June 18, 2005 (Sudan Tribune) — The leadership of the Popular National Congress (NPC) has, after long talks which lasted two days, resolved to develop political relations with opposition political movements in Darfur and eastern Sudan in order to “realize a justice comprehensive peace solution and develop democratic freedoms.”

In a press statement, the NPC said the leadership body “has agreed to take part in all institutions of national political alliance and approved the principle of dialogue with national, regional and international parties.”

The NPC stressed the need to “revitalize PNC’s programmes during the transitional period, ideologically and politically.”

The statement said the meeting heard reports from the NPC’s general secretariat on the political situation prevailing in the country and its future prospects.

The NPC stressed its support to the peace agreement signed between the Sudanese government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, its strive for the realization of freedoms and democracy, as well as the decentralization of power.

It also stressed its commitment to national unity until the aspirations of the national opposition coalition are realized, as well as of all those who believe in its principles.

The PNC formed in the beginning of this month a new political coalition with Umma party of Sadiq al-Mahdi, called “National Forces Coalition”.

The statement said the NPC’s leadership body was fully acquainted with “the transitional constitution” and called for the release of all detainees, beginning with NPC’s leader, Hassan al-Turabi.

Compiled with material provided by the BBC Monitoring Service