Moussa denies that IGAD opposes Egyptian - Libyan initiative

Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa asserted yesterday IGAD's concern-- headed by Djibouti-- with achieving the coordination between the Egyptian - Libyan and IGAD initiatives concerning Sudan, which was asserted by the Djiboutian president in the last meeting of IGAD's summit.

In answering journalists' questions following the discussions between President Mubarak and Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh, Moussa denied reports of Ethiopian and Eritrean opposition to the Egyptian - Libyan initiative, saying that there is no contradiction between the joint initiative and IGAD, but there could be cooperation and integrity.

Concerning the recent reconciliation between Sudanese President Omar El-Bashir and the leader of the ruling National Congress party, Hassan Turabi, and its effect on efforts to achieve national rapport in Sudan between the government and the opposition, Moussa said, "The internal situation in Sudan and its developments naturally effect the different coming steps."

Moussa added, "The situation in Somalia is still difficult due to the continuous disputes and competition among the tribes' leaders."