Opposition alliance leader to mediate between Sudan, Eritrea- minister
KHARTOUM, Mar 16, 2005 (Sudan Tribune) — The government has given the leader of the opposition National Democratic Alliance (NDA), Mohamed Osman al-Mirghani, the green light to take initiatives and try to normalize relations between Sudan and Eritrea, the Sudanese Al-Ray al-Amm reported today.
Meanwhile, Al-Mirghani says he supports the government’s stance that the “51” internationally wanted Sudanese nationals should be tried by Sudanese courts.
The foreign affairs minister, Mustafa Osman Ismail, said Al-Mirghani, whom he met in Mecca yesterday, hoped the relationship between Khartoum and Asmara would return to normal before he returns back to the country for good.
Ismail added that he had told Al-Mirghani that the normalization of the relations between the two countries would be in the interest of both countries, and that the government would strongly support his efforts to remove the obstacles hindering normal relations.
The minister went on to say that “Al-Mirghani wanted to know the government’s stance. I told him it has no objection,” before adding, “we hope Al-Mirghani will succeed”.
The minister said the NDA leader agreed with the government that people accused of atrocities in Darfur must be tried by Sudanese courts.
The minister affirmed that once the government receives the reports from the committees in charge of identifying the Darfur perpetrators, it would begin the prosecution process, and would not wait for the Security Council list.
He added that the government was determined to set up a committee to study the Security Council list and investigate the charges.
Ismail pointed out that he agreed with Al-Mirghani that the government and NDA should jointly work out an accord that would include everyone, and establish an all-inclusive national unity in the near future.
The minister affirmed the government determination to work with Al-Mirghani and other political forces when drawing up future plans.
Material provided by the BBC Monitoring Service