Sudanese president appreciates Egypt’s stand toward his country

KHARTOUM, Sept 15, 2004 (Xinhua) — Sudanese President Omar el-Bashir expressed here Wednesday his appreciation for Egypt’s stands towards Sudan and its effort for a peaceful solution to the Darfur problem in western Sudan.

The Sudanese president made this expression while receiving Egyptian Parliament Speaker Ahmed Fathi Sorour, who is currently visiting Sudan to participate in the second session for the joint Sudanese-Egyptian parliamentarian committee, the Sudanese News Agency (SUNA) reported.

President Bashir affirmed his country’s keenness to enhance relations with Egypt and to exert more efforts in order to realize mutual interests of the two countries.

Sorour told reporters after the meeting the Darfur crisis is being exaggerated, adding Egypt’s position toward Sudan is natural as it is based on the integration process between the two countries in security and political fields.

On Wednesday, Sudan rejected a revised UN Security Council draft resolution over the Darfur crisis which threatens to impose sanctions against Sudan.

According to UN statistics, thousands of people have been killed or displaced in Darfur since the clashes between Arab militia and black African farmers flared up in February 2003 over scarce resources.