Sudan hails Libyan rebels’ advance but falls short of recognizing NTC

August 22, 2011 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese government on Monday welcomed the march by Libyan rebels on the capital Tripoli that occurred over the weekend describing it as an “impressive victory” against the regime of Muammar Gaddafi.

A statement by the foreign ministry in Khartoum said that the cohesion of the National Transitional Council (NTC) leading the movement “helped unite the national front to face the challenges of political building that is awaiting them”.

Sudan also offered help and assistance to the Libyan people and NTC “so that they cross this critical stage”.

However the statement offered no official recognition of the NTC similar to several nations today including Sudan’s northern neighbor Egypt.

Libyan rebels swept into Tripoli two days ago in tandem with an uprising within the city. Reuters reporters saw firefights and clashes with heavy weapons, including anti-aircraft guns, as rebels tried to flush out snipers and pockets of resistance.

Hundreds seem to have been killed or wounded since Saturday. But Gaddafi tanks and sharpshooters appeared to hold only small areas, mainly around the heavily fortified Bab al-Aziziyah compound in central Tripoli.

But late on Monday, Gaddafi’s son Saif who rebels said they had captured made a surprise appearance with jubilant supporters in Tripoli casting doubts on who has the upper hand in the capital.

In Khartoum the Libyan expatriates stormed the embassy and took down the flag and replaced it with the rebel one. They also sacked the charge d’affaires Nasser Abu Gaila and appointed one of the embassy staff members named Mawlood Ali Moussa as the man in charge.

In a related issue, the head of the Popular Congress Party (PCP) Hassan Al-Turabi said that events in Libya should serve as a warning to other Arab leaders and also revealed a mediation effort he made but that Gaddafi refused to abandon power.

He urged the Sudanese government to seek solutions that would avoid a Libya style situation.

(ST)