Sudan’s president cancels trip to Africa summit

June 29, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — Sudan’s President Omar al-Beshir has cancelled plans to attend the July African Union summit because of the country’s mourning following the accidental death of one of his close advisors.

An official statement carried by local media said: “President Beshir has decided not to take part in the summit because of the bereavement which has struck the country.”

Foreign Minister Lam Akol will represent Sudan at the summit scheduled for July 1 to 3 in the Ghanaian capital, Accra.

Majzub al-Khalifa, who was in charge of negotiating a peace accord to try to end the conflict in Darfur, was killed in a road accident on Wednesday. His funeral was held the same day and was attended by Beshir.

(AFP)