Press Release/Commentary by SDEMB posted on December 10, 2003 at 17:57:33: EST (-5 GMT)
PR: President Bush Phones President Bashir
Embassy of The Republic of the Sudan - Ottawa, CANADA
PRESS RELEASE
No. 22 / 2003
Dec.10, 2003
On Monday 8th December, 2003 the President of the United States of America George W. Bush called President Omer Bashir of the Republic of the Sudan.
President Bush commended the willingness of the two parties of the conflict to make peace in Sudan. He congratulated President Bashir on the progress made thus far in the Sudan peace process and indicated that he was watching the peace process closely. He confirmed to President Bashir that he would remain involved till the Sudanese achieved peace in their country. He said he called to encourage both parties to walk the last lap toward peace. He confirmed to President Bashir that the peace would pave the road for good relation between the Sudan and the United States of America and he would be glad at that time to receive him at the White House President.
On his part, President Bashir thanked his American counterpart for his personal involvement in Sudan peace process. He said "without that deep involvement, we would have not accomplished what we have accomplished today." To that effect he mentioned peace in the Nuba Mountains and a complete ceasefire in the entire South along with unfettered access to humanitarian aid in different parts of the country. President Bashir also mentioned the recent reconciliation spirit in the country which reflects genuine hope for peace in the Sudan. He mentioned, among other things, the agreement signed in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia recently by Vice President Taha and Mr. Mohummad Osman Mirghani, President of the National Democratic Alliance, an umbrella of Northern opposition parties and groups, in which the President described as "a significant step towards peace and democracy." President Bashir told President Bush about the current visit by a senior SPLM/A delegation to Khartoum, the first one in two decades. President Bashir confirmed the determination of his government to sign a deal for a comprehensive and just peace very soon.
Two hours later, President Bashir received at his office Reverend Franklin Graham, President of the Samaritan’s Purse. President Bashir confirmed to Reverend Graham that peace would enhance the scope of religious freedom and co-existence among Sudanese. He said "Sudanese are tolerant by nature". Reverend Graham reiterated his commitment to work for peace and reconciliation in Sudan. He promised to become a friend and a frequent visitor to Sudan.