Egyptian FM believes UN will extend Sudan deadline

CAIRO, Aug 27, 2004 (MENA) — Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmad Abu-al-Ghayt said Friday Egypt closely follows up the Darfur peace talks in the Nigerian capital Abuja.

Speaking to reporters, Abu-al-Ghayt said he assigned the Egyptian ambassador to Nigeria to report on the negotiations and consult with the parties concerned.

He said Egypt pays due attention to the situation in Sudan, which carries a strategic importance.

The top Egyptian diplomat said the humanitarian situation in Darfur has greatly improved, anticipating that the UN Security Council would extend its one-month deadline to Khartoum.

He further said Egypt has been also trying its best to bridge the gap between the Sudanese government and the opposition in the north.