Turabi, EU envoy hold discussions on national dialogue

February 3, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The European Union’s ambassador to Sudan Tomas Ulicny expressed concern over the growing role of hard-line elements in harming relations between Khartoum and the west.

Ulicny met on Tuesday with leader of the Popular Congress Party (PCP) Hassan al-Turabi at his residence and discussed with him the ongoing national dialogue process, as well as other issues.

The two men deliberated on how to ensure the success of dialogue and involving all parties.

Ulicny stressed on the Turabi the need for addressing the militant ideologies and networks and upholding the values of religious tolerance.

Turabi is one of the renowned Islamist leaders and is seen as a moderate with controversial views that sometimes infuriated hardline religious leaders inside and outside the Sudan.

PCP is one of the major parties still in the dialogue process launched by the Sudanese president Omer Hassan al-Bashir last year which is now faltering amid boycott and pullout by several participants who complain about government stepping up its crackdown on opposition parties, media and civil society organizations.

The National Umma Party (NUP) suspended its participation in the national dialogue in May 2014 following the arrest of its leader Sadiq al-Mahdi, and called for elections to be suspended in order to create the right political environment for the conduct of the process, and to include rebel groups.

Last month, the Reform Now Movement (RNM) of Ghazi Salah al-Din al-Attabani and the Just Peace Forum (JPF) led al-Tayeb Mustafa announced they decided to suspend participation in the dialogue “until the requirements of a conducive environment (…) are met”.

The two opposition parties identified 12 confidence building measures saying that it was agreed in the roadmap of the national dialogue and endorsed by the regional and international organizations supporting the process.

These measures include the release of political detainees, freedom of expression, freedom of movement and travel, end media restrictions, take the needed measures to allow the return of opponents and rebels into the country, stop war and allow humanitarian access.

The two parties also rejected the “secret and unilateral” constitutional amendments increasing the powers of the Sudanese president, and reiterated their objection to the general elections scheduled for next April.

Sudan Tribune said the two men held face-to-face meeting alone and discussed at length obstacles facing national dialogue.

Ulicny stressed that the EU supports the reform process on conditions that is transparent and inclusive to restore peace and stability in Sudan and the Horn of Africa.

He added that reconciliation can only be achieved with the participation of all spectrums of society and political parties and forces.

(ST)