Arab summit in Sudan next March — official

Dec 17, 2005 (KHARTOUM) — The next Arab summit will be held in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, next March, said a top Arab League official here Saturday.

Ahmad bin Hali, assistant secretary general for political affairs, said in a press statement after meeting Sudanese Foreign Minister Lam Akol that Arab League chief Amr Moussa would visit Sudan next month to have a close look at final preparations for the summit.

Lam Akol urged the Arab League to continue with its efforts for the sake of rebuilding what was destroyed by the war in southern Sudan.

He said this during a meeting with a visiting Arab League delegation led by the assistant secretary-general for political affairs and Arab League matters, Ahmad Bin Hali, who is visiting Sudan to get acquainted with the on-going preparations by Sudan to host the Arab League summit in March 2006.

The minister affirmed the importance of the Arab League in continuing its support for Sudanese affairs especially after the signing of the peace agreement.

Hali said the Arab and African Summits in Khartoum next year would reflect the Afro-Arab identity of Sudan.

Bin Hilli said the Arab League was fully backing Sudan to realize stability nationwide.

His visit to Khartoum, he said, aimed at discussing logistics and organization for the summit.

The Arab League official arrived here last night.

(ST)