Sudanese foreign minister calls for a strong Egyptian role in Sudan

Former Sudanese foreign minister Hussein Suliman has urged Egypt be accorded a significant role at what he termed the current delicate state in Sudan.

"This stage in Sudan's history calls for serious action and courage in safeguarding Sudanese - Egyptian security," He said in remarks published yesterday in the independent Al-Rai Al-Aam newspaper.

Suliman, who heads the Popular Board for National Dialogue, urged that a planned round of negotiations with rebels in the South be canceled because he said some countries involved in the talks were no longer neutral go-betweens and were adopting hostile attitudes against Sudan.

The talks, arranged by regional mediators, are planned for next April between Khartoum and John Garang, leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), Al-Wafd daily said.