Sudan divided over relations with Egypt

The Sudanese authorities are divided over bids to improve ties with Egypt, sources in the government said yesterday.

The sources, speaking on condition of anonymity, added that a group of the top brass and their civilian supporters see that improved relations with Cairo would lead the way to easing strains in Khartoum's ties with other Arab countries.

Meanwhile, militant Islamists dug in their heels over handing over Egyptian-owned buildings to Cairo, including irrigation facilities and a chapter of the prestigious Cairo university in Khartoum, Al Khartoum daily said today.

Sudan's first vice president visited Cairo and had discussions with Egypt's President Mubarak. Khartoum later termed the talks as successful.