Sudan’s government opens dialogue with opposition

Sudan’s President Omar al Bashir said a meeting with opposition Ummah Pary leader - Al Sadiq al Mahdi, at Mahdi’s residence on Tuesday was ‘positive and fruitful’. Al Mahdi said the meeting was a success, which discussed the country’s constitution and security cooperation. The political rivals talked about the spill-over of violence form Sudan’s neighbours, in particular from Syria and Egypt. Participating in the talks was Dr Mostafa ?Osman Ismail – Bashir’s representative, and the son of al Sadiq al Mahdi - Colonel Abdul Rahman al Sadiq al Mahdi, who an aide to President Bashir.? Sudan’s Minister of Information - Dr Ahmed Belal Othman told Arab Today that the meeting was an initiative launched by Bashir which sought political negotiations with all opposition parties. He added that the open dialogue should not be seen as chance to form coalitions with the ruling government, but to an opportunity to end the political crisis affecting the country.