Sudan denies deteriorating of relations with Ethiopia

July 6, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — Sudanese government has affirmed that bilateral relations with neighbouring Ethiopia are good denying that amelioration of ties with Eritrea has affected Ethiopia.

The spokesperson of the Foreign Ministry, Ambassador Jamal Ahmed Ibrahim denied deterioration in the bilateral relations between Addis Ababa and Khartoum after the Eritrean President visit to Sudan last month.

He also added that the meeting of the Somali Islamist militia and the transitional government held in Khartoum last month came in the framework of the Sudanese presidency of the Arab league.

Reports mention that Ethiopian government is angry over the result of the Somali meeting imposing mutual recognition to the interim Somali government on 22 June while Addis Ababa seeking to contain the Islamist militia.

Ibrahim further said that Sudanese government after the signing of Naivasha and Abuja agreements is absorbed by boosting relations with the different neighbouring countries. “Sudan was absent in the region because of internal conflicts and we are seeking to recover this regional role”.

He explained that southern Sudan government acting to mediate between the Ugandan government and the LRA rebels while Khartoum brokered the Somali talks to settle security, peace and development in the region.

The Foreign ministry spokesperson does not exclude a Sudanese mediation between Eritrea and Ethiopia the end the border row after the end of the eastern Sudan crisis.

Eritrea sponsors peace talks between the Sudanese government and the rebel Eastern Front. The negotiations are due to be resumed on July 17 in Asmara.

(ST)