Sudan dismisses US criticism of an arms deal with Russia
November 16, 2008 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese government rejected criticisms by the US for buying fighter jets from Russia.
The announcement drew strong rebuke by the US administration describing it “as the last thing that country needs”.
“Sudan is a poor country and to go out and buy MIG’s, obviously that’s something we don’t think is a positive step” US State Department deputy spokesman Robert Wood told reporters when asked if such a purchase undermined Sudan’s call for a truce in Darfur.
But Sudan’s foreign minister spokesperson Ali Al-Sadiq said that his country has the right as a sovereign state to strengthen its army by buying weapons.
“It is not for the US to determine what our priorities should be. We know what our country needs” Al-Sadiq said.
“Any such talk is a blatant interference in our internal affairs and we will not allow it” he added.
The arms deal came days after the Sudanese president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir pledged a ceasefire and disarmament of the government supported Janjaweed militias in the troubled region of Darfur.
The US cautiously welcomed the announcement and said that Sudan needs to implement the pledges it make.
“More important than the announcement is the actual implementation” Jendayi Frazer, the assistant secretary of state for African affairs told Agence France Presse (AFP) on Thursday, noting that past ceasefire declarations have failed to materialize.
“I don’t have reason to believe that he [Al-Bashir] but I am hopeful that he will. We will monitor it. If he does it, we will react positively to that fact” Frazer said.
“If he actually implements a ceasefire and disbands the militias, then we’ve had a huge step forward in bringing about peace in Darfur” she added.
Yesterday Darfur rebels and civilians Sudan government forces of resuming aerial bombardment in North Darfur.
UN experts estimate some 300,000 people have died and 2.5 million driven from their homes. Sudan blames the Western media for exaggerating the conflict and puts the death toll at 10,000.
(ST)
Trueson of Southerner
Sudan dismisses US criticism of an arms deal with Russia
Why did you sent out more than ten thausand especial envoy around the world for lobbing of suspension of the indictment of President Omer albshir by ICC and you don’t solved and deal with it as Sudanese? Is it not an interfered to your internal affair as you mentioned mr Sadiq ?
Sudan must learn how to address the diplomatic issues,Beshir can not declared the immediate seasefire in Darfur while buying war jets.US must brought Beshir to Hague because he is really closed relative to Sadam of Iraq and a member of Elqaida group.
Wunashuei
Sudan dismisses US criticism of an arms deal with Russia
Dear Bashir, Surrounding yourself with Jets and huge weapon will not protect you at all. You would have learn a lesson from Sadaam Hessian who was one time your supplier of warplanes and weapon, does his military capability protect him from Americans?
Pliz Mr. president, the only thing which can help you stay in power is peace to all citizen of the country regardless of their race and religion color or language. OR OTHERWISE YOU WILL FOLLOW YOUR UNCLE SADAAM TO THE GRAVE.
DAVID N.
Sudan dismisses US criticism of an arms deal with Russia
The Khartoum should know that learn from Afghanistan and Iraq, where those two countries purchased and helped from both US and Russia, from C.I.A. and F.B.I., be aware of Caucasian Ethnic terminology of using Islamic states to attach and to be a Anti-Semitism against Zionist States… All of these are common, the enemys are using and sell the weapons against Zionist States, don’t be manupilated against Russian hypocrites and the US governments all for $$$, = Why US governments don’t stop Russian sells the weapons?, I know they have been working together! Be Aware of Devils…