Sudanese president said “not opposed” to freeing opposition figure Al-Turabi

Al-Sahafah daily newspaper, August 6, 2003

KHARTOUM — President Umar al-Bashir has declared his commitment to the process of national consensus, stressing that he is keen to expand it to accommodate all political forces. He indicated that he is not opposed to the release of Dr Hasan al-Turabi, leader of the Popular National Congress (PNC), if the reasons for his detention cease to exist.

In an interview with Egyptian newspaper Al-Ahram which will be published later, the president said that there is no-one who can be detained forever. He added that there are reasons for Al-Turabi’s detention, and when these reasons are transcended he will be released.

President AL-Bashir reiterated the government’s commitment to reach a final peace agreement. Al-Bashir expressed his hope that the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement, (SPLM) will come to the forthcoming negotiations with a good heart.

President Al-Bashir added that peace can be agreed upon if Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) does not come up with a negative role which cripples the peace process, as it did in the last round of peace talks by proposing the Nakuru document.