Sudan’s Nafi and opposition Mirghani discuss Juba meeting

September 24, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — Sudan’s ruling party who is at odd with its main partner in the government of national unity, SPLM, seeks to develop political ties with one of the major opposition parties Democratic United Party (DUP).

A delegation from Sudan’s ruling party visited today the leader of the opposition DUP to congratulate him on the end of Ramadan. The delegation which led by presidential assistant Nafi Ali Nafi, is comprised of Salah Gosh, presidential adviser, Abdel Rahman Al-Khidir, governor of Khartoum and Mandoor Al-Mahdi NCP political bureau officer.

Al-Mirghani, who was a close ally of Garang during more than 10 years, seems distancing himself from the current SPLM leadership. Also the position of his divided party on a forum to be held in Juba on Saturday is also unclear.

Nafi Ali Nafi said the meeting tackled the national unity and criticized Juba meeting between the SPLM and the opposition groups.

NCP officials said they would not attend Juba meeting unless it is associated to the preparations and the invitation of all registered parties.

Commenting Juba meeting, Nafi told reporters the government is not concerned by the meeting and it would remains as any meeting between the opposition parties.

Mohamed Osman Al-Mirghani said he spoke about his initiative to achieve comprehensive national reconciliation in the country. This political initiative had been presented to the NCP since last year.

(ST)