Sudanese opposition rejects government call to discuss legalizing political parties

The Sudanese opposition rejected yesterday the government's call to discuss a draft law that would allow the establishment of political parties.

Mubarak El-Mahdi, the secretary general of the opposition Democratic National Alliance, urged Khartoum's government to release opposition prisoners and guarantee citizens' security instead of presenting security guarantees to opposition leaders.

He described the call as an attempt to deceive public opinion and attain a political easing of tensions in Sudan.

El-Mahdi refused to hold any talks between the government and the opposition except through regional and international mechanisms.