Cardinal Zubeir Wazko receives El Turabi

KHARTOUM, Nov. 03, 2003 (MISNA) — A delegation from the PNC (People’s National Congress), led by the former president of the Sudanese parliament Hassan El Turabi, met with Cardinal Gabriel Zubeir Wako in the archiepiscopal office at St Matthew’s Cathedral in Khartoum on Saturday, religious sources said today.

The representatives of the Islamic party comprised Christians and Muslims, including Sheik Abrahim Al-Sanossi, Abrahim Abd Haffis Dr. Bashir Adam Rahama, Mohamad Al-Amin Khalifa, Johannes Ngang and Musa Almaq Kur.

The leader of the Islamic opposition, who was released from prison in October after two years, congratulated the Archbishop on his nomination as cardinal and for his work in promoting inter-religious dialogue in Sudan.

El Turabi went on to highlight the need for Christians and Muslims to work continuously for peace through dialogue and coexistence, reiterating this concept at the end of the meeting in answer to a question from the correspondent of ‘Al Jazira TV’, who asked if the Church might be the best intermediary in dialogue with the Sudanese in the south.

In his answer, the cardinal recalled that Sudan has left an indelible impression on Pope John Paul II, in particular for the warm welcome he received in Khartoum in 1993. He went on to explain his role as cardinal in relation to Sudan, Africa and the Universal Church, pointing out that the country’s voice can reach all corners of the world.

However, he also asked for prayer that God might help him to understand the exact role that he should play in favour of the country and of the whole church.