Russia appoints special envoy to Sudan
December 9, 2008 (MOSCOW) — The Russian president Dmitry Medvedev established a new post for a special envoy to Sudan, according to state agency report.
Margelov also heads the Federation Council’s Committee for International Affairs.
The appointment follows a visit by Sudan’s defense minister Abdel-Rahim Mohamed Hussein to Moscow last month in which he invited Russian companies to invest in his country including the oil sector.
Margelov speaking to state media said that Sudanese authorities confirmed they could offer Russian companies engaged in the oil sector and railway construction in Sudan benefits to develop bilateral economic ties.
“We must expand mutually beneficial cooperation with African countries and set up a special body for that” he said.
Moscow and Khartoum enjoy strong military ties and the former has been one of the main arms suppliers to the East African nation.
The Sudanese top military official announced during his visit that they have received a new shipment of 12 MIG-29 fighter jets.
Russia has been accused by Amnesty International (AI) of supplying arms to Sudan for use in Darfur but the Russian foreign ministry denied the charge.
The veto wielding member of the UN Security Council (UNSC) has blocked sanctions against Sudan over Darfur conflict along with China.
“Russia is committed to political stability in this country, and our position is that the crisis in Sudan can be resolved only by political means” Margelov said, adding that all unresolved conflicts in Sudan and other African countries should be addressed with help, but not direct intervention, from the global community.
There are around 120 Russian personnel as part of the peacekeepers deployed in South Sudan and four Mi-8 helicopters, since 2006.
The new envoy did not indicate whether he is planning to visit Sudan in the near future.
(ST)
Mr Point
Russia appoints special envoy to Sudan
“Russia is committed to political stability in this country, and our position is that the crisis in Sudan can be resolved only by political means” Margelov said.
In that case we don’t need the MIG-29 fighter jets.
Take them back!
Main Nyieth
Russia appoints special envoy to Sudan
Can Russia solve international affairs when it does not solve Checynya problem in its own region? Checynyans want their autonomy like Darfurain, but they do not have internal capacity to achieve their missions. There is only “Russia Federation”, but not all people are happy with that unification