Sudan: No Guarantees in Case of Dispersion of Sit-in

Professor of Physics Siddiq Tawer Kafi. Asharq Al-Awsat Arabic
Professor of Physics Siddiq Tawer Kafi. Asharq Al-Awsat Arabic
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Sudan: No Guarantees in Case of Dispersion of Sit-in

Professor of Physics Siddiq Tawer Kafi. Asharq Al-Awsat Arabic
Professor of Physics Siddiq Tawer Kafi. Asharq Al-Awsat Arabic

Professor of Physics Siddiq Tawer Kafi has stated that forming an independent investigation committee regarding the dispersion of the sit-in would introduce obstacles before the partnership between civilians and militants, especially with charges facing the militants.

Kafi denied the intention to offer any assurances to suspects since this would hinder a just investigation.

The nomination of Kafi as a member of the sovereign council has sparked a debate in addition to a regional and cultural campaign, because of his affiliation with Arab Socialist Baath Party.

Tawer accused the state and officials at Sudan People's Liberation Movement of leading the campaign against him.

Yet he emphasized that he was chosen based on standards of national and professional qualifications, despite belonging to the Arab Socialist Baath Party.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper, he said that his presence in the council doesn't mean that he represents the South Kordofan and that finding a solution for war there might come from any person.

He added that his personal association with the region makes him aware of accurate details and the daily agony of war as well as its consequences on the community. This, therefore, facilitates resolving the crisis and settling peace.

Tawer said that he made direct contacts with leaders of Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North and they affirmed that the movement didn't take any stance against his candidacy.

He stressed that there must have been a misunderstanding, especially that the movement has its own official platforms where it can reveal its official standpoints if it wishes to.

Tawer informed Asharq Al-Awsat that the civilians at the council would be distributed over the committees that ruled the country before dissolving the military council, until an executive body is established.



Syria Unable to Import Wheat or Fuel Due to US Sanctions, Trade Minister Says

Syrian Trade Minister Maher Khalil al-Hasan speaks during an interview with Reuters in Damascus, Syria, January 6 2025. (Reuters)
Syrian Trade Minister Maher Khalil al-Hasan speaks during an interview with Reuters in Damascus, Syria, January 6 2025. (Reuters)
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Syria Unable to Import Wheat or Fuel Due to US Sanctions, Trade Minister Says

Syrian Trade Minister Maher Khalil al-Hasan speaks during an interview with Reuters in Damascus, Syria, January 6 2025. (Reuters)
Syrian Trade Minister Maher Khalil al-Hasan speaks during an interview with Reuters in Damascus, Syria, January 6 2025. (Reuters)

Syria is unable to make deals to import fuel, wheat or other key goods due to strict US sanctions and despite many countries wanting to do so, Syria's new trade minister said.

In an interview with Reuters at his office in Damascus, Maher Khalil al-Hasan said Syria's new ruling administration had managed to scrape together enough wheat and fuel for a few months but the country faces a "catastrophe" if sanctions are not frozen or lifted soon.

Hasan is a member of the new caretaker government set up by the Hayat Tahrir al-Sham group after it launched a lightning offensive that toppled autocratic President Bashar al-Assad on Dec. 8 after 13 years of civil war.

The sanctions were imposed during Assad's rule, targeting his government and also state institutions such as the central bank.

Russia and Iran, both major backers of the Assad government, previously provided most of Syria's wheat and oil products but both stopped doing so after the opposition factions triumphed and Assad fled to Moscow.

The US is set to announce an easing of restrictions on providing humanitarian aid and other basic services such as electricity to Syria while maintaining its strict sanctions regime, people briefed on the matter told Reuters on Monday.

The exact impact of the expected measures remains to be seen.

The decision by the outgoing Biden administration aims to send a signal of goodwill to Syria's people and its new rulers, and pave the way for improving basic services and living conditions in the war-ravaged country.

Washington wants to see Damascus embark on an inclusive political transition and to cooperate on counterterrorism and other matters.

Hasan told Reuters he was aware of reports that some sanctions may soon be eased or frozen.