Sudan voices “deep regret” over attack on Chadian consul

KHARTOUM, Apr 16, 2005 (Xinhua) — The Sudanese Foreign Ministry voiced “deep regret” on Saturday over an attack on the Chadian consul general in west Sudan on the Sudanese-Chadian border.

The ministry condemned the attack in a statement, saying the incident will only serve those who dislike the improvement of relations between Sudan and Chad.

The ministry also expressed Sudan’s keenness to keep good relations with Chad, while vowing to bring the culprits to justice after thorough investigation.

The Chadian consul based in Sudan’s border town of Geneina in Darfur was attacked Thursday by unidentified gunmen and was severely injured, local press reported Saturday.

Relations between the two countries have been frayed since a huge number of Darfur refugees flocked into eastern Chad to flee more than two years of bloody conflicts.

Tensions have mounted as Chadian officials have accused Sudan of arming 3,000 rebels along the border to destabilize the country.

Chad, an important mediator in the Sudanese government’s talks with Darfur rebel groups, warned of suspending its role unless Sudan withdraws armed men from the border area.