Sudan FM reacts to US Congress members call for trial of 12 officials

KHARTOUM, April 10, 2004 (Sudan Tribune) — The presentation a draft bill by some members of the US congress calling for trial of 12 executive officials and some ministers in the Sudanese government or their sacking or not allowing them to occupy political positions and banning them from travel, as well as the disbanding of the security organ, has raised fast reactions within the government.

According to the Khartoum based al-Ayam newspaper, the minister of external relations, Mustafa Osman Ismail, said the draft bill was merely, what he termed as, state terrorism to make the government make some concessions.

He told journalist that the names were being presented as a way of pressurizing the government, “something we have got used to. I expect more moves and names.”

He said there existed some activists in the US Congress and others in organizations, whose agenda and mission was to do such things, thinking that they are pressurizing the government. “Even if we realize peace, these quarters will continue pursuing their goals,” he further said

Tow US Congressmen presented to the House of Representative on March 31, a project of resolution recognizing the involvement in or support for acts of international terrorism by senior Sudanese officials.

The proposed resolution asked the Secretary of State to investigate the nature and extent of participation of high ranking officials such as Vice President Ali Osman Mohammed Taha, Nafee Ali Nafee, Ghazi Salahadin Attabani and Awad El Jaz to be investigated.