UK condition for debt cancellation unjust – Sudanese official

Oct 2, 2005 (KHARTOUM) — In its first response to the British government linking the cancellation of Sudan’s debts to the resolution of the Darfur crisis, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has termed the condition unjust, saying it would lead to further deterioration and suffering.

Foreign ministry under secretary Mutref Sideiq,
said he considered the British government as wanting the crisis in Darfur to continue, if that was the reason for not cancelling its debts.

Sidiq said that by not cancelling the debts, the British government would not be punishing the Sudanese government but would instead be punishing the citizens, thereby further complicating the situation.

Sudan’s external debt is about US$21 billion, most of which is in ther form of debt repayment arrears and interest rates.

In the past, Sudanese government expressed optimism that 90% of his country’s debt would be cancelled following the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in January 2005.

(ST)