Sudan downplays prospects of normalizing ties with Chad

August 4, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — Efforts being undertaken by different regional and international parties to normalize ties with Chad will likely fail unless the latter stop providing support to Darfur rebels, a senior official said.

Sudan’s presidential adviser Mustafa Ismail said that his country is keen on having good relations with neighboring countries adding that they have no problems with the Chadian government.

Ismail said that Sudan is not concerned about the nature of the political system in Chad saying it is up to the Chadian people.

The Sudanese official stressed that unless Chad takes a firm position on harboring Darfur rebel groups, relations will not be normalized.

The two countries signed a number of deals but none of it was implemented. Sudan says Chad finances and arms Darfur rebels while Ndjamena addresses the same accusations against Khartoum.

Last month Sudan accused Chad of bombing inside its borders but Ndjamena said it was attacking rebel position on its side of the borders.

(ST)