Sudanese parliament holding special session to ratify constitution

The Sudanese National Council (the parliament) is holding a special session today to celebrate yesterday's signing of the new constitution by Sudanese President Omar El-Bashir in the attendance of Qatar's Emir Hamad Bin Khalifa al-Thani.

The political affairs secretary in the ruling National Conference, Mohammed El-Hassan El-Amin, said that he will allow political parties to practice their work starting six months after the ratification of the constitution, which was signed yesterday.

He added, "The constitution represents the main document through which the discussion will take place."

The parties asked about the importance of the Sudanese president resigning from the chairmanship of the ruling party and being satisfied with only holding the presidency, considering that the coming period will view the establishment political parties, which requires neutrality from the republic's president.

Meanwhile, Qatar's Sheikh Hamad is in the midst of a three-day official visit to Sudan. Upon his arrival at Khartoum Airport, Sheikh Hamad issued a brief statement in which he said he is visiting Sudan to participate in the celebration of one of the country's most important occasions and also to discuss with President Bashir issues of common concern on the international and bilateral levels.

Bashir escorted his Qatari guest to the green park, one kilometer away from South Khartoum to attend a military show and celebrations arranged for the signing of the new Sudanese constitution.

At the same time, a delegation of Libyan public leaders arrived in Khartoum yesterday to participate in the same celebration.