Algerian - Sudanese relations return to normal

The Algerian news agency said yesterday that "the diplomatic representation between Algeria and Sudan will be raised to the ambassadors' level" in developing relations between the two states which have been tense since 1993, following Algeria's accusation against Sudan of backing up terrorism.

This statement comes after talks held by Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael in Algeria yesterday with Algerian President Abdelaziz Bouteflika, during which he conveyed a congratulations message on Bouteflika's election from Sudanese President Omar Hassan El-Bashir.

The Sudanese foreign minister stated in a press conference held yesterday in the building of his country's embassy in Algeria, Sudan's desire to return relations between the two states to normalcy and to remove all reasons for the disputes which dominated these relations recently.

On his talks with his Algerian counterpart, Ahmed Attaf, Ismael said, "We reached a persuasion that in order to have a unified Arab stance there must be a minimum limit of Arab solidarity," referring to the sanctions imposed on Iraq. He also praised the role of Libyan leader Colonel Moammar Gaddafi in the mediation between Egypt and Sudan emphasized his country's adherence on discussions with all opposition factions.