Saudi Arabia, US Stress Importance of Short-Term Ceasefire Agreement in Sudan 

A Sudanese flag rests on a wheelbarrow as a volunteer (not pictured) collects garbage to clean-up a street in southern Khartoum, on May 23, 2023, after a one-week ceasefire between Sudan's army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces officially went into force. (AFP)
A Sudanese flag rests on a wheelbarrow as a volunteer (not pictured) collects garbage to clean-up a street in southern Khartoum, on May 23, 2023, after a one-week ceasefire between Sudan's army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces officially went into force. (AFP)
TT

Saudi Arabia, US Stress Importance of Short-Term Ceasefire Agreement in Sudan 

A Sudanese flag rests on a wheelbarrow as a volunteer (not pictured) collects garbage to clean-up a street in southern Khartoum, on May 23, 2023, after a one-week ceasefire between Sudan's army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces officially went into force. (AFP)
A Sudanese flag rests on a wheelbarrow as a volunteer (not pictured) collects garbage to clean-up a street in southern Khartoum, on May 23, 2023, after a one-week ceasefire between Sudan's army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces officially went into force. (AFP)

Saudi Arabia and the United States stressed on Tuesday the importance of the Agreement on a Short-Term Ceasefire and Humanitarian Arrangements in Sudan.

The agreement was signed by the Sudanese army and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in Jeddah on May 20.

After five weeks of continued conflict, the Sudanese people badly need the humanitarian assistance and restored essential services that the short-term ceasefire is intended to enable, said the Kingdom and US in a statement carried by the Saudi Press Agency.

“The Saudi and US facilitators note with concern that neither side observed its commitment not to seek military advantage during the 48-hour period after the agreement was signed and before it went into effect,” it added.

“While fighting in Khartoum appeared to be less intense than in recent days, the facilitators conveyed to the parties reports indicating that both sides violated the agreement. Those included reported offensive operations in Khartoum and El-Obeid, airstrikes and use of artillery,” it went on to say.

“Today in Jeddah, representatives to the Ceasefire Monitoring and Coordination Committee engaged constructively on humanitarian assistance deliveries and undertook to engage their respective chains of command allegations of ceasefire violations as the Committee seeks to verify the reports. Preparations for humanitarian assistance movements to deliver lifesaving assistance are underway.”

“The Sudanese people continue to suffer as a result of this devastating conflict. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the United States reiterate their commitment to the Sudanese people and demand that the parties fully abide by their commitments under this agreement for a temporary humanitarian ceasefire to provide urgently needed humanitarian relief,” added the statement.



Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
TT

Saudi Arabia Bids Farewell to Last Pilgrims from Madinah Airport

7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)
7,700 flights through six airports transported foreign pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for Hajj (SPA)

The last group of pilgrims from this year’s Hajj season departed Saudi Arabia on Sunday aboard a Saudia flight from Prince Mohammad bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Madinah.

The flight carried 320 pilgrims to Kertajati, Indonesia, after they completed their Hajj rituals. Saudia, the Kingdom’s flag carrier, hosted a farewell ceremony, concluding its 74-day Hajj operations.

The first flight for this year’s Hajj season arrived in Madinah on May 9 from India with 283 pilgrims.

They were welcomed by the Minister of Transport and Logistics Services and the Deputy Minister of Hajj and Umrah.

Saudi Arabia facilitated 7,700 flights through six airports and provided over 27,000 buses to ease pilgrim transportation. The Haramain High-Speed Railway operated more than 5,000 trips during the season.

Over 1.8 million pilgrims participated in the last Hajj season. Health Minister Fahad Al-Jalajel confirmed there were no health issues or outbreaks.

The organization of Hajj was praised by leaders of Arab and Islamic countries.

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi commended the excellent organization and services provided to millions of pilgrims.

Bahraini King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa praised the meticulous organization and services.

Kuwaiti Emir Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah appreciated the modern smart services and technologies.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed highlighted the success of Saudi Arabia’s Hajj management.