Egypt, Sudan agree to facilitate movement of people and goods

CAIRO, Dec 13, 2004 (MENA) — Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail said on Monday President Husni Mubarak and Sudanese President Omar Hassan Bashir agreed on Sunday to link Egypt and Sudan by land and sea lines to facilitate the movement of people and goods.

In pre-departure statements, Ismail said trucks can set off from Alexandria to and reach Cape Town through Port Sudan, Addis Ababa and Nairobi.

As for the Darfur problem, Ismail said Egypt was among the first Arab countries to deal with the Darfur problem from the humanitarian, security and political aspects.

He said Egypt has sent medicines and doctors to Darfur Province and is contributing 30 monitors to the cease-fire force working among the AU.

He stressed that the government will not cede its responsibility in protecting roads, civilians and public properties in Darfur.

He said the government is keen on continuing negotiations with rebels in Abuja.