Leader of Umma Party makes seasonal address

The leader of the Umma party, Sadiq al-Mahdi has given a symbolic protest of the opposition parties in Khartoum during the Christmas celebrations. Al-Mahdi said that the opposition parties stand in solidarity with the Manasir people displaced by the construction of the Merowe Dam and all those suffering from abuses in Darfur. He considered the establishment of the International Criminal Court as a great achievement, allowing people around the world to hold dictators to account, to protect civilians and prosecute perpetrators of crimes against humanity. The leader said that the Umma party, along with other opposition parties needs an agreement on the national agenda, to put forward a suitable replacement, as part of the process of overthrowing the regime in Khartoum.Copts leader concerned at harassment Dr Nasri, representative of the Coptic community in Khartoum said he was concerned about the repeated harassment encountered by his supporters during the holidays and religious events. He said that many Copts were subjected to harassment during Christmas and New Years events. Dr Nasri told Radio Dabanga he called for more tolerance between different religious groups.