Salva Kiir holds contacts with Chad over bilateral relations

October 13, 2008 (KHARTOUM) – The First Vice President has undertaken contacts with the Chadian President to normalize Sudan Chad relations.

Yasser Arman, deputy secretary-general of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) Monday revealed contacts by Salva Kiir with the Chadian President Idriss Deby to normalize relations between the two countries.

In a press conference he held in Khartoum that the stability of Sudan linked to the stability of Chad, stressed on the necessity of non-interference in the internal affairs of two countries.

The two countries signed a non aggression deal in Dakar this year. But its implementation seems encountering some difficulties. Last May Sudan had accused Chad of supporting a rebel raid on Khartoum and severed diplomatic ties but it accepted a Libyan initiative to restore ties in August.

Arman stressed the importance of the role that neighbouring countries can play in the resolution of Darfur conflict; he mentioned Chadian role.

The Sudanese Presidential Assistant Nafi Ali Nafi told a press conference last week in Paris that Chad has to ameliorate its relations with Sudan first if N’djamena aims at playing any role in the resolution of Darfur conflict.

Nafi further said “We are convinced they can play a positive role particularly with the Justice and Equality Movement.”

(ST)