Khartoum asserts importance of Egypt's role in Sudanese peace

The Sudanese president's assistant and the head of the council for coordinating Sudan's southern provinces, Ryak Mashar, confirmed the importance of Egypt's role in peace in Sudan and what Egypt does to promote a dialogue between the Sudanese government and opposition.

In press statements, Mashar said Egypt has the historic responsibility and that Sudan can never deny its role in this issue, clarifying that Cairo can play a role in light of the IGAD organization (Inter-Governmental Authority on Development) or through a dialogue among the Sudanese people due to its historical relationshpi with Sudan and political value in northeastern Africa.

Mashar related the delaying of negotiations with southern Sudanese rebels led by Col. John Garang, which were supposed to start yesterday in Nairobi, to the great concern with allowing a greater chance for its success.