Moussa receives Sudanese opposition leader Al-Mahdi

Former Sudanese prime minister and leader of the opposition Ummah Party Sadeq al-Mahdi stressed that preparations are underway to convene a conference in Cairo for the leadership commission of the Sudanese opposition Democratic National Alliance with the participation of Egyptian officials.

Al-Mahdi did not set a date for convening the conference but he said, "Consultations are being held in this respect with Egyptian officials."

On Monday, Egyptian Foreign Minister Amr Moussa met with al-Mahdi and discussed with him Sudanese developments. Al-Mahdi said, "We discussed the situation in Sudan in light of the numerous moves which may lead to internationalizing the Sudanese question."

He indicated the role played by Egypt in containing the Sudanese issue.

Following the meeting, al-Mahdi expressed to Moussa his appreciation over major role President Mubarak and Egyptian diplomacy played in diffusing the Syrian - Turkish dispute and establishing a basis to achieve large step toward Arab - Turkish strategic relations.

In his statement al-Mahdi also praised Egyptian diplomacy's role in achieving a strategy between the Arab states and all their neighbors.

Recently, the Sudanese opposition leadership held meetings in Cairo which concluded with the "Cairo Declaration," which disregarded terrorism and talked about "improving relations with neighboring countries."