Sudanese govt concerned by Museveni’s statement

KHARTOUM, Aug 5, 2005 (SUNA) — The acting Foreign Minister, Mustafa Osman Ismail, said that up to now neither the Sudanese government nor Sudan Liberation Movement (SPLM) have accused any circle of involvement in the recent crash of the plane which was carrying the former First Vice – President, John Garang from Uganda to south Sudan.

Uganda’s President Yoweri Museveni (L) views the body of the late First Vice-President of Sudan John Garang in Yei, south Sudan, Friday 5, 2005. (AFP) . .

Responding to recent statements of the Ugandan President, Yoweri Museveni, Ismail said that the presidential plane, which was carrying Garang, was considered lost since 05:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 30, but Uganda informed Sudan government about the plane’s loss at 09:00 p.m. on Sunday.

The minister said that immediately after declaration of Garang’s death in the plane’s crash, the government and the SPLM leadership agreed on formation of a joint committee to investigate in the incident, with the assistance experts.

Ismail said that Garang was on a visit to Uganda, while the crashed plane and all its crew were Ugandans, adding that Sudan government looks forward for close cooperation between the investigation committee and the Ugandan authorities toward identifying the facts.

He said that undoubtedly the demise of John Garang was a big loss not only for Sudan, but also for Africa and the peace-lovers.

Meanwhile, the acting Foreign Minister said that he attended and addressed on Thursday in Addis Ababa, the emergency African Summit, which was invited by the Nigerian President, Olsegen Obasanjo, on the developments after the death of John Garang.