EU Ambassador stresses need for Sudanese dialogue

Assistant to the President of Sudan, Dr Ibrahim Ghandour received EU Ambassador Tomas Ulicny at his office in the Republican Palace in Khartoum today. 

At the meeting, the European diplomat discussed the efforts to resume an inclusive national dialogue, the situation in South Sudan, and the rising radicalisation in the Horn of Africa.

Ambassador Tomas Ulicny told reporters at the end of the meeting that he re-confirmed EU’s position on the importance of “an inclusive and comprehensive national dialogue” to resolve the country’s problems. He added that both the government and opposition have to put Sudan and its people on the first place. He warned for further delays of the process, saying that this will complicate the situation and threaten its dialogue’s credibility.

He stressed that the EU “believes in Sudan's territorial integrity, rejects a violent regime change, and wishes Sudan to become a prosperous, secure, successful and stable country. 

The Ambassador further informed the press about EU’s concern on the developing extremism in the region. “The extremists and those who portray the EU as hostile to Sudan refuse to accept a frank and open dialogue about issues of common concerns,” he said. 

He described them as few but “quite loud”, and warned against the increased fragility and radicalisation in the Horn of Africa to which Sudan is not immune.

Ulicny expressed his optimism about the cooperation between Sudan and European countries, to together work for a prosperous region free from radicalisation.