Sudan’s Al-Bashir in talks with British international development secretary

By Sudanese radio

KHARTOUM, Dec 11, 2003 — The president of the republic, Lt-Gen Umar al-Bashir, has expressed Sudan’s appreciation for the British role in pushing the peace process forward in the country.

During a meeting with the British secretary for international development, Hilary Benn, and his delegation yesterday at the [state] Guest House, Al-Bashir discussed the role which Britain and the donor countries could play after the signing of a comprehensive peace.

The meeting stressed the need to provide basic services to those affected by the war and need to rehabilitate the areas affected [by the war].

The meeting also stressed the need for cooperation between the various parties to promote development and give priority to the implementation of programmes to combat poverty and raise the capacity of vulnerable communities.

It is worth recalling that Britain is leading the permanent group which is looking into ways of tackling Sudan’s debts after the signing of a peace treaty. It also plays a role in coordinating with other donors the holding of various conferences that deal with financial and technical aid to states.

BBC Monitoring Middle East