Sudanese Opposition Members Hold Meetings in Dubai

Protesters in Sudan. (Reuters)
Protesters in Sudan. (Reuters)
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Sudanese Opposition Members Hold Meetings in Dubai

Protesters in Sudan. (Reuters)
Protesters in Sudan. (Reuters)

Sudan People's Liberation Movement’s (SPLM) deputy leader, Yasir Arman, revealed that a delegation had arrived in the United Arab Emirates to hold talks on restoring peace in the African state.

In a statement, he clarified that the delegation landed in Dubai upon an invitation from the UAE. He added that the Gulf country is keen on aiding the people of Sudan balance their ambitions for peace and democracy and national stability.

Urging the supporting states to respond to the people’s calls and demands, Arman said: “We have ended the so-called fascist political Islam project, which ruined both religion and politics, and call for working together to build a new Sudan and resolve the challenges for the benefit of all.”

He also refuted claims that the anti-regime protests have resorted to armed action.

He reiterated the SPLM’s commitment to non-violence as a mean to impact change.

On the other hand, the German news agency, dpa, quoted SPLM sources as confirming the UAE meeting between the movement’s leaders and the Sudan Liberation Army, which is led by Minni Arko Minnawi.

Sources pointed out that the two sides may sign a memorandum of understanding in Dubai, outlining their vision to resolve the crisis. This may pave the way for direct meetings with the military council in Khartoum.

The dpa reports were not backed by an official UAE source.

South Sudan’s President Salva Kiir, who is head of the SPLM, had also offered to mediate in the ongoing political transition in Sudan after the fall of former president Omar al-Bashir.

“The president has offered to mediate the ongoing negotiations among various groups in Sudan with the hope that the new transition will usher in a new day in Sudan…,” a statement by Kiir’s office said.



UK, Iraq Sign Security Pact to Target People Smuggling Gangs

Britain's Home Secretary Yvette Cooper walks near 10 Downing Street, in London, Britain, October 29, 2024. REUTERS/Hollie Adams/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
Britain's Home Secretary Yvette Cooper walks near 10 Downing Street, in London, Britain, October 29, 2024. REUTERS/Hollie Adams/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
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UK, Iraq Sign Security Pact to Target People Smuggling Gangs

Britain's Home Secretary Yvette Cooper walks near 10 Downing Street, in London, Britain, October 29, 2024. REUTERS/Hollie Adams/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights
Britain's Home Secretary Yvette Cooper walks near 10 Downing Street, in London, Britain, October 29, 2024. REUTERS/Hollie Adams/File Photo Purchase Licensing Rights

Britain said on Thursday it had signed a security pact with Iraq to target people smuggling gangs and strengthen border co-operation, the latest in its efforts to crack down on illegal migration.

"There are smuggler gangs profiting from dangerous small boat crossings whose operations stretch back through Northern France, Germany, across Europe, to the Kurdistan Region of Iraq and beyond," Britain's interior minister Yvette Cooper said in a statement, Reuters reported.

"Organized criminals operate across borders, so law enforcement needs to operate across borders too," she said during a visit to Iraq and the Kurdistan Region of Iraq.

Britain will also support Iraqi law enforcement to tackle other serious organised crime, including countering narcotics, the statement added.