Visiting British official says peace process enters “critical” stage
By Al-Sahafah daily newspaper
KHARTOUM, Dec 12, 2003 — The British secretary of state for international development, Hilary Benn, has said that his meeting with President Umar al- Bashir and government officials affirmed that peace was imminent [in the country]. He stressed London’s support for Sudan in the realization of peace and long-term development.
In a news conference held at the British Embassy in Khartoum yesterday, Mr Benn said the current peace process should not be reversed. He describe the current stage as critical for Sudan in view of its real potential to provide peace and stability. He said reaching peace agreement is the beginning of democratic transformation which would enable Sudan to concentrate more on its future in terms of handling poverty alleviation.
The British secretary announced his county’s willingness in reconstructing and developing regions affected by the war after the realization of peace, provide humanitarian assistance, reintegrate [militia] fighters in the civil society, solving foreign debt problems, poverty eradication and building institutions which guarantee stable peace.
He added that he raised with Al-Bashir and other officials issues of humanitarian situation in Darfur [region], which he said has entered a dangerous stage. He urged the warring sides to declare a cease-fire and allow relief assistance to reach the affected people.
BBC Monitoring Middle East