Sudan describes former US special envoy mission as ‘failure’

December 25, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — A senior Sudanese official described the mission of the former US special envoy Andrew Natsios as a “failed one”.

Ali al-Sadig, spokesperson for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, speaking to Miraya FM, also criticized the appointment of a new special envoy to replace Natsios.

The US special envoy to Sudan, Andrew Natsios, has resigned from his post so he can spend more time teaching at Georgetown University, a senior U.S. official said on Friday.

However multiple reports suggested there has been mounting differences between Natsios and other US officials on dealing with Sudan particularly on the issue of Darfur.

Natsios will be succeeded by Richard S. Williamson, a prominent Illinois Republican and former U.S. ambassador who has held senior posts in three GOP administrations.

Al-Sadig has reiterated Khartoum’s readiness to receive the UN-AU hybrid force to be deployed pursuant to UN Security Council resolution 1769.

The Sudanese official said that his government is committed to what have been agreed upon with UN and the African Union (AU).

Sudan’s U.N. ambassador Abdel-Mahmood Mohamad described Natsios resignation as an ‘internal matter’. However he called on Washington to “play a role in the Darfur peace process and to refrain from pressure and threat”.

Sudan’s envoy also called on the US administration to lift sanctions imposed on his country.

International experts estimate 200,000 people have died in the conflict, which Washington calls genocide, a term European governments are reluctant to use. The Sudan government says 9,000 people have been killed.

(ST)