Al-Bashir in Asmara

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir held a sudden visit to Eritrea on Tuesday on his way back from Sanaa in a step which reflects Sudanese interest in the consequences of exploding the oil pipeline which took place in the area adjoining the borders between the two countries.

Khartoum was very careful to benefit from the improved atmospheres between the two neighboring countries in limiting the activities of the Sudanese opposition.

It was decided that the president would return directly to Khartoum following a tour of Bahrain and Yemen, but an amendment was made to his program and he landed in Asmara for two hours.

Well-informed sources considered this visit to be explained "in the course of the improving of relations between the two countries."