Sudan proceeds towards reconciliation

Sudanese Foreign Minister Ali Othman Muhammad Taha on Wednesday said his country's efforts to end the civil war are proceeding well, noting that he expects talks with the opposition in April to achieve genuine progress.

In press statements Taha called on the US to lift economic sanctions imposed on Sudan in November 1997 as an expression of good will to create the proper atmosphere for reconciliation in Nairobi.

Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir called upon the leader of the Sudanese rebels, John Garang, to offer more concessions coinciding with diplomatic efforts made by leaders in the region in preparation for the plenary negotiations to be held between the Sudanese government and the opposition in April in Nairobi.