Arab Parliament: Sudan Agreement Step towards Stability

Sudan's top general Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, on the left, and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok during the deal-signing ceremony to restore the transition to civilian rule. (AFP)
Sudan's top general Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, on the left, and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok during the deal-signing ceremony to restore the transition to civilian rule. (AFP)
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Arab Parliament: Sudan Agreement Step towards Stability

Sudan's top general Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, on the left, and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok during the deal-signing ceremony to restore the transition to civilian rule. (AFP)
Sudan's top general Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, on the left, and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok during the deal-signing ceremony to restore the transition to civilian rule. (AFP)

The Arab Parliament on Monday welcomed the signing of the political agreement between Sudan's top general Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, and Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.

“This step heralds a new stage for laying the foundations of security, unity and sustainable stability in Sudan, for protecting the political and economic gains of its people, and achieving their aspirations to accomplish development,” the parliament said in a statement.

It also praised the wisdom and responsibility of the Sudanese parties in reaching an agreement that can guarantee the success of the transitional period, in a way that serves Sudan’s supreme interests.

The parliament expressed confidence in the Sudanese people’s ability to overcome the current stage, particularly in light of the constitutional, legal and political agreement that governs the transitional phase.

Secretary General of the Arab Lawyers Union, Makkawi bin Issa, said the agreement reached between political leaders in Sudan is a return to the right political track and to the constitutional declaration of 2019, which represents a unique and serious step towards achieving political stability in Sudan.

“The wise vision of the two signatories to the agreement defused the crisis and it returned Sudan to the roadmap that guarantees a peaceful transitional period during which the Sudanese people can aspire for stability and progress,” Makkawi said.

Nearly a month after Burhan ousted Hamdok, the two sides signed a breakthrough deal Sunday to reverse the military takeover that had sparked international condemnation and mass protests.

The 14-point deal they signed officially restores the transition to civilian rule that had been derailed by the October 25 putsch in the country.



Berri to Asharq Al-Awsat: Temporary Ceasefire Call Marks Victory for Beirut Efforts

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on September 26, 2024 (AFP)
Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on September 26, 2024 (AFP)
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Berri to Asharq Al-Awsat: Temporary Ceasefire Call Marks Victory for Beirut Efforts

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on September 26, 2024 (AFP)
Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike targeting the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on September 26, 2024 (AFP)

Lebanese political and diplomatic activity is intensifying after the release of an “international-Arab call” for a ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza.
“The key lies in implementation,” Lebanese Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri told Asharq Al-Awsat, describing the call itself “a victory for Lebanon’s efforts.”
Berri highlighted the role of major players, especially the US, in convincing Israel to accept the ceasefire.
He pointed out that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu “says one thing and its opposite,” while stressing that Lebanon is committed to the call’s principles and ready to act.
“There is no problem on the Lebanese side, as the international joint statement addressed both Gaza and Lebanon together,” Berri stressed.
A Lebanese source involved in negotiations at the UN indicated that the obstinacy of both Israel and Hezbollah had blocked a proposed solution.

Now, efforts are focused on establishing a temporary ceasefire to allow for negotiations regarding the crisis that erupted when Hezbollah, backed by Iran, engaged with Israel to support Gaza.
The source explained that the proposed solution involved a new UN resolution to reinforce Resolution 1701, effective since the end of the 2006 Lebanon War.
However, Hezbollah’s insistence on linking a ceasefire in Gaza to this proposal and Israel’s refusal to do so thwarted the plan.
The source expressed hope for a three-week temporary ceasefire, with negotiations led by US envoy Amos Hochstein between Beirut and Tel Aviv.
In New York, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati held diplomatic discussions aimed at stopping the Israeli offensive against Lebanon, engaging with European and Arab officials during his visit.
Reports suggested that Mikati had “signed a proposed ceasefire agreement” after meeting US Secretary of State Antony Blinken and mediator Amos Hochstein.
However, the Prime Minister’s office denied these claims, asserting that they are “entirely untrue.”
The office reminded the public of Mikati’s remarks after the joint call initiated by the US and France, supported by the European Union and several countries, aimed at establishing a temporary ceasefire in Lebanon.
“We welcome the statement, but the crucial factor lies in Israel's commitment to implementing international resolutions,” said Mikati.
New York Meetings
Mikati met with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides, who outlined Cyprus’s efforts to support Lebanon and facilitate a ceasefire, including his talks with Netanyahu.
The Lebanese premier also discussed the situation in Lebanon and the region with British Foreign Secretary David Lammy, highlighting Britain’s efforts to stop the fighting.
Additionally, Mikati met with Qatari Prime Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, thanking Qatar for its support of Lebanon, particularly for its backing of the Lebanese army.
The Qatari Prime Minister briefed Mikati on ongoing ceasefire negotiations in Gaza and Qatar’s role in the international committee working to elect a new president for Lebanon.