Sudanese President receives message from British Prime Minister

KHARTOUM, July 3, 2004 (SUNA) — Foreign Minister Dr. Mustafa Osman Ismail has received a written message from the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair, to the President of the Republic Gen. Omer Al-Bashir.

This came when the Minister received Saturday Ambassador of the United Kingdom in Khartoum Mr. William Pattey. Dr. Ismail also met a delegation of the British House of Commons and briefed them on the measures adopted by the government to solve the situation in Darfur in the humanitarian, security and political fields.

On the other hand, deputy speaker of the National Assembly Angelo Beda met with the British Parliamentary delegation and reviewed the peace process and situations in Darfur States.

The meeting reviewed developments in the country following the signing of the peace protocols and the efforts being exerted by the government for restoring peace and stability in Darfur and the role of the international community for providing necessary needs to citizens there and the efforts to return the displaced persons to their home areas.

Beda affirmed during the meeting that the South has witnessed stability since the signing of Machakos Protocol and the agreement on cessation of hostilities, pointing out to the challenges facing the country following the signing of the final peace agreement represented in implementing the agreements, demining operations, normalization of life in the South and return of displaced persons and refugees.

He said that the National Assembly is following up Darfur issue and works with the concerned authorities for restoring peace and stability to the area, underscoring the cooperation of the international community, the African Union and neighboring countries.