Sudanese - African communication for support bid for Security Council seat for Africa

Sudanese Foreign Minister Mostafa Ossman Ismail began holding communications with his African counterparts to enhance Sudan's nomination to a UN Security Council seat (representing Africa) for the year 2001 - 2002.

The African group at the U.N consented to Sudan holding this rotating seat starting next year. The ministerial council of the African organization is ratifying Sudan's nomination during its meeting at the end of this week in Lome (capital of Togo).

The US represents the major obstacle to Sudan being admitted to the Security Council. Sudanese sources assured that Sudan informed the U.S.A that reopening the embassy in Sudan does not face any security threats and that Khartoum is a safe capital in which there are Arab and western embassies.

It is worthy to mention that U.S embassy has been closed since August 1998 for security reasons.