Sudan regrets Chadian accusations

Dec 23, 2005 (KHARTOUM) — Sudan has expressed its regret for the complaint lodged by the Chadian government with the UN Security Council accusing Sudan of interfering in Chad’s internal affairs.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs said this step constituted a new escalation on the part of Chad.

Sudan stressed its readiness to overcome the crisis through dialogue pointing out that direct communication channels were open between the two countries’ governments and their leadership.

The Sudanese government welcomed the efforts made by the AU to defuse the crisis between the two countries through the AU delegation, which is currently holding talks in Ndjamena.

Chad said on Friday a “state of belligerence” existed between itself and its neighbour Sudan following attacks on a border town by rebels it said were armed by the Sudanese government.

“The government calls on the Chadian people to mobilise against this Sudanese aggression,” said a statement issued by the Chadian government.

(ST)