US embassy in Sudan working to arrange Turabi’s visit: PCP
January 25, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The United States Embassy in Khartoum has contacted the Popular Congress Party (PCP) to complete arrangements for the travel of the party’s leader Hassan al-Turabi to the US in light of an invitation extended to him by former president Jimmy Carter who visited Khartoum this week.
Rahma noted that Carter arrived in Khartoum on an official mission related to the current political situation, the 2015 elections and the issue of dialogue between the government and opposition parties.
He claimed that Washington spoke to Carter on the need for the Sudanese government and the opposition parties to reach an understanding in the form of a political dialogue that would be sponsored by the United States.
Turabi met Carter in Khartoum this week and reiterated his refusal to participate in the 2015 elections due to its unrealistic circumstances and called for postponing it till 2017.
The Islamist leader also demanded the formation of a constituent assembly to consider the possibility of holding free and fair elections and the establishment of a transitional government.
He expressed their readiness to participate in comprehensive dialogue with all political forces and armed movements to prepare for transition similar to the one that occurred in Yemen.
Sudanese president Omer Hassan al-Bashir is expected to unveil a major reform proposal in the coming days that would set the stage for a political transformation in the country but no details were revealed.
The meeting also discussed the conflict in South Sudan with Turabi stressing that stability in Sudan is key to stability in its southern neighbor given the long common borders.
Turabi expressed concern over the situation in South Sudan and predicted that war would fragment the newborn state particularly as the country is under military rule and lacks democratic institutions and strong political parties.
(ST)