Sudanese Parties Demand Expanding UN Initiative

Protests in Khartoum calling for the return of civilian rule (AFP)
Protests in Khartoum calling for the return of civilian rule (AFP)
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Sudanese Parties Demand Expanding UN Initiative

Protests in Khartoum calling for the return of civilian rule (AFP)
Protests in Khartoum calling for the return of civilian rule (AFP)

The Central Council of the Freedom and Change Forces in Sudan has called for expanding the UN initiative to solve the political crisis in the country.

The Council called for involving the Troika countries (US, UK, and Norway), the EU, and the Arab and African neighboring countries in the efforts to establish civilian authority.

The Council met with the head of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), Volker Perthes, to discuss the political process.

Council members handed Perthes a document on the shape of the government during the transitional period to achieve a breakthrough and end the army's rule.

The Council wants to enact a new constitution that restores the path of democratic transition away from the army's involvement in politics.

In a press conference, spokesman Wajdi Saleh said that the Coalition, which includes various political parties and civil society organizations, decided to deal positively with the international initiative.

Saleh asserted that the Coalition appreciates the international actors who announced positions against the October 25 coup.

He called for the continuation of the peaceful popular movement until its goals are achieved.

Saleh added that security and military reforms are essential for a civil democratic transition, stressing the need for establishing the new constitution to unify the armed forces by implementing the security arrangements stipulated in the Juba Peace Agreement.

The Agreement calls for merging the forces of armed movements into the national army.

The spokesman stressed that the army's acceptance of the UN initiative only gains credibility when the state of emergency is lifted, all political detainees are released, and attacks and violence during the peaceful protests are stopped.



Aoun: Rebuilding Lebanon is Not Difficult if Intentions are Sincere

President Joseph Aoun welcoming his visitors at the Baabda Palace (Lebanese Presidency)
President Joseph Aoun welcoming his visitors at the Baabda Palace (Lebanese Presidency)
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Aoun: Rebuilding Lebanon is Not Difficult if Intentions are Sincere

President Joseph Aoun welcoming his visitors at the Baabda Palace (Lebanese Presidency)
President Joseph Aoun welcoming his visitors at the Baabda Palace (Lebanese Presidency)

President Joseph Aoun said the Lebanese “must unite to rebuild the country, a task that is not difficult if intentions are sincere.”
He underscored the importance of forming a government that aligns with the aspirations of the Lebanese people and enables the country to recover, particularly on the economic front.
Aoun pointed out that the swift formation of a government would send a positive signal internationally, demonstrating that Lebanon is on the right track. He reiterated that everyone must rise to the occasion, stating: “Those who cannot bear the responsibility should not hold positions of authority.”
Calling for collective efforts to serve the public good, Aoun remarked that Lebanon’s strength lies in all its citizens, regardless of sectarian affiliations. He stressed the importance of mobilizing the potential of both residents and expatriates to contribute to the nation’s revival.
The president made these statements during a meeting with Catholicos Aram I of the Armenian Orthodox Church, Patriarch Ignatius Joseph III Younan of the Syriac Catholic Church, and Catholicos-Patriarch Raphael Bedros of the Armenian Catholic Church. The three religious leaders visited the presidential palace to congratulate him on his election.
“We are at a crossroads. While we have many opportunities ahead, it is up to us to either seize them or lose them. We must unite to rebuild the country, a task that is not difficult if intentions are sincere. Otherwise, we must bear the consequences of our choices,” the president said.
He continued: “We have received many positive signals and invitations from abroad. In return, we must also send positive messages. God willing, this will culminate in the formation of a government that meets the aspirations of the Lebanese people, functions effectively, and allows the country to recover, especially economically, so it can get back on the right path.”
Aoun concluded: “Lebanon has untapped potential, both at home and within its diaspora, that must be activated to serve the country. This requires an approach based on prioritizing the public interest with transparency and cooperation. This is what the world expects from us, and if we achieve it, they will support us.”