Sudanese opposition leader in talks with Eritrean president, US diplomat

By Sudanese opposition National Democratic Alliance radio

ASMARA, Jan 18, 2004 — Eritrean President Isayas Afewerki received Mawalan [honorific] Muhammad Uthman al-Mirghani, the chairman of [opposition] National Democratic Alliance [NDA] and chairman of Democratic Unionist Party, on Friday 16 January, 2004.

The meeting discussed developments of Sudanese issues and efforts being exerted towards achieving a comprehensive political solution.

Al-Mirghani delivered to President Afewerki a copy of the framework agreement which was signed in Jidda on 4 December, 2003 between Ustadh [honorific] Ali Uthman Muhammad Taha, the first vice- president of the republic, and Mr Al-Mirghani.

Meanwhile, Mr Al-Mirghani received on Thursday 15 January, 2004 at his resident, the US ambassador to Eritrea accompanied by the US consul.

It is worth noting that Mr Al-Mirghani will meet NDA leaders at the NDA leadership HQ in Asmara to discuss ways of implementing the Jidda framework agreement.

BBC Monitoring Middle East