Reconciliation in Sudan possible

"Cairo has received clear assurances from the Leader of South Sudan Popular Front John Garang that a split from Sudan was not a top option for the people of the South," Assistant Foreign Minister for Arab Affairs said.

Mostafa El Fiki, who also doubles as member of the Egyptian- Libyan Technical Committee said Wednesday Garang spoke frankly in Cairo and said that splitting from Sudan is not a top choice.

Fiki quoted Garang as saying the first choice for the people of the south is a new Sudan established on a charter that grants equality to all Sudanese. This stance alone provides a common ground for all Sudanese parties, he added. Fiki attended the recent meetings of Foreign Minister Amr Moussa with Sudanese opposition leaders in Cairo, including John Garang.

Fiki said Garang feels that Cairo is a capital opening its arms wide to all parties and without discrimination between southern and northern citizens. Egypt furthermore considers all Sudanese as brethren. He referred to Garang`s assertion that Cairo and Tripoli are the two Arab capitals which afford him opportunities to maintain contacts and meetings.

On the possibility of merging the Egyptian Libyan initiative with that of Igad, Fiki said "the ball is now in Igad court, which received invitations from Egypt and Libya to coordinate between the two initiatives in the interest of the people of Sudan."

He added that they are not awaiting the response of Igad Secretariat.