France reiterates keenness to have good relations with Sudan
September 3, 2008 (KHARTOUM) — A French Presidential advisor reiterated, during a two-day visit to Khartoum, Paris keenness to have good relations with the Sudanese government and to provide the necessary help to end Darfur crisis.
Bruno Joubert, French Presidential Advisor for African Affairs met with the Vice President Ali Osman Taha, Presidential Assistant Nafi Ali Nafi, Foreign Minister Deng Alor, Presidential Advisor Mustafa Osman Ismail and the chief of security and intelligence services Salah Abdellah Gosh.
Joubert assured the Sudanese officials of France’s goodwill and its adherence to establishing good relations with Sudan. He further reiterated France’s readiness to provide the assistance needed to ensure the country’s stability.
However, the French official made it clear that Khartoum has to act seriously to end the five year conflict and to cooperate with the international organisations and institutions including the International Criminal Court (ICC).
Last June, foreign minister Deng Alor and presidential advisor, Mustafa Osman Ismail were in Paris to discuss bilateral relations after accusations that France provided logistical support for a Darfur rebel movement to carry out a raid on Khartoum last May.
At that time, Alor also asked Paris to help in the resolution of Darfur crisis and to ease tension with the neighbouring Chad.
However, President Bashir during a tour in Darfur in July accused France of obstructing peace efforts in Darfur. He said Paris is holding the leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement Abdel-Wahid Al-Nur from joining peace process.
A high ranking Sudanese official told Sudan Tribune that Paris had felt the need to speak directly with the decision makers in Khartoum and to clear doubts over its intensions towards the ruling National Congress Party.
The two parties agreed to keep the channels of communications open for future contacts.
Sudanese officials seem sceptical towards Paris particularly after French opposition to an African Union demand before the Security Council last July to suspend any indictment of President Al-Bashir.
(ST)