Al-Mahdi says EU wants to hold talks with Sudan’s NCP, opposition

October 27, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The leader of the National Umma Party (NUP) revealed on Sunday that the European Union (EU) wants to organise a conference involving the Sudanese government and opposition political parties with hopes of finding a peaceful resolution to the crises facing the East African nation.

al-Sadiq al-Mahdi made the revelation during the farewell ceremony he hosted for the EU special envoy for Sudan and South Sudan, Rosalind Marsden, who is concluding her term in the region.

“The NUP proposed a set of principles based on 10 points for inclusive dialogue that is founded on [coming up with] the diagnosis of all issues”, al-Mahdi said.

He noted that his planned visit to Uganda for a meeting with leaders of the Sudan Revolutionary Front (SRF) comes in that context.

The trip was postponed due to what al-Mahdi described as unspecified circumstances that highlighted the need for more coordination.

The NUP chief also praised the EU’s long-time role in providing humanitarian support to Sudan.

Marsden on her end welcomed the progress that has been made in terms of cooperation between Khartoum and Juba, commending the role of the African Union (AU) in healing the rift between the two neighbours.

The EU diplomat also expressed sadness at her imminent departure from the country.

(ST)