Sudan targeted by western countries because of Islam – Al-Bashir
KHARTOUM, Sep 30, 2004 (Al-Anba) — The president of the republic, FM Omar al-Bashir, has reiterated government concern over citizens in Darfur and its serious efforts towards ending the suffering caused by western imperialists in their endeavours to disintegrate the unity of Sudan and harm its integrity.
While addressing the opening session the Supreme Islamic Council for Propagation and Relief (SICPR) at the Friendship hall in Khartoum yesterday, he said Sudan was being targeted by some western countries because of Islam and there was no way out except to depend on God.
He said those countries were not concerned about the people of Darfur more than the government and their cries about the suffering of the people in Darfur was just a trick and treachery because they do not want Sudan to enjoy peace. He said these countries were striving to disintegrate Sudan.
He said what Sudan enjoys in regard to its Arab and African identity was not welcomed by the western countries and therefore they were targeting it and bringing to it calamity.
The secretary-general of the SICPR says Sudan has always been a model of religious co-existence saying Sudan will be able to overcome this calamity at a time the west was striving to shed blood among tribes which had been a model in co-existence. He called on Sudanese people to unite and work together towards safeguarding Sudanese territorial integrity.
On his part, the deputy chairman of the SICPR, Dr Yussef Qasim al-Haji, said the west had exaggerated the Darfur problem and that the government had fully carried out its responsibility. He said it was unfortunate that the government had not been given the opportunity to complete its development projects. He said it was important for the meeting to review what had been achieved last year. He also said the meeting will discuss the situation in Sudan, Palestine and Iraq.
Meanwhile, the minister of guidance and endowment, Dr Isam Ahmad al-Bashir, warned against the targeting which is facing the Muslim world. He said its was not just a mere conspiracy but a clear open issue. He said what was happening in Darfur was a model for this kind of targets.
He said Sudan was not only defending its territories and resources but also Arab and Muslim nations. He called for the need to understand the nature of battle and unity. The council will conclude its meetings today evening and the final session will be addressed by the first vice-president of the republic, Ali Osman Mohamed Taha.
Translated by the BBC Monitoring Service