Sudan’s FM concludes visit to Britain

KHARTOUM, May 15, 2004 (SUNA) — Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Mustafa Osman Ismail concluded a three-day visit to London at the invitation of his British counterpart, Jack Straw.

A statement issued at the end of the visit said the Minister explained the developments of situations in Darfur, reiterating that the issue could be solved through a cease-fire that is monitored by mechanisms of the African Union as well as reaching a comprehensive political settlement.

The Statement indicated that the Minister acquainted the British officials with the recent decision issued by the President of the Republic, establishing a fact-finding committee on Darfur, welcoming any British role toward contributing to achieving a political settlement for the crisis in Darfur.

Dr. Ismail was acquainted by the British side on its points of view regarding the humanitarian work in Sudan, expressing readiness of the Sudanese government to facilitate the international efforts with respect to extending of relief assistance to the affected people in Darfur as well as the repatriation of the refugees.

Meanwhile, the Minister also briefed the British officials on the latest developments in the peace process, currently in session in Naivasha, Kenya, and the efforts to achieve a final peace agreement, expressing optimism it would be soon.

The statement explained that the Minister conveyed to his British counterpart the concern of Sudan and the Arab world about the violations to human rights in Iraq as well as the abuse of Iraqi prisoners.