Sudan says talks with Eritrea would not affect Ethiopia

Dec 4, 2005 (KHARTOUM) — The state minister at Sudanese Foreign Ministry, Al-Samani Al-Wasleea, said it was not likely that discussions between Sudan and Eritrea would affect relations between Sudan and Ethiopia.

He said the principles of Sudan’s foreign relations of this stage were based on mutual respect and non-interference and positive participation to develop all areas of cooperation between Sudan and its neighbours.

He denied discussions between the Sudanese vice-president and Eritrean President Afewerki had dealt with opposition issues and opening the borders between the two countries. He pointed out that details of the issues discussed were left to the joint ministerial committees of the two countries.

The singularity of the situation in Sudan regarding ties with Eritrean and Ethiopia that in the government of national unity, the ruling National Congress has good relations with Ethiopian authorities while the former rebel SPLM and former opposition NDA have solid ties with Eritrean government.

Last week, Ethiopia and Sudan signed an agreement providing for the military commands of the two countries along the common border to cooperate in the areas of maintaining the peace and security of the areas.

(ST)