Burhan Denies Reaching Bilateral Settlement with Any Sudanese Party

Sudan's General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, answers questions during an interview, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, in New York. (AP)
Sudan's General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, answers questions during an interview, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, in New York. (AP)
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Burhan Denies Reaching Bilateral Settlement with Any Sudanese Party

Sudan's General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, answers questions during an interview, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, in New York. (AP)
Sudan's General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, answers questions during an interview, Thursday, Sept. 22, 2022, in New York. (AP)

Head of Sudan’s Transitional Sovereign Council Lt. General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan denied reports that he had concluded a bilateral political settlement with any political party in the country.

He told senior military officials on Sunday that the armed forces stand at the same distance from everyone and support the steps taken to achieve democratic transition.

Burhan hoped that the political forces would succeed in reaching national consensus that would help Sudan overcome the challenges it is currently facing and allow it to complete the transitional phase under a competent, independent, non-partisan government with the goal of holding elections.

According to a statement issued by the army spokesman's office, Burhan reviewed the current political situation with senior leaders and underlined the military’s keenness on ensuring stability and security throughout the country.

Meanwhile, the tripartite mechanism tasked with facilitating intra-Sudanese dialogue welcomed on Sunday the current momentum moving towards a solution to the political crisis. The solution should start with the formation of a credible civilian-led government to guide Sudan through the transition to democracy and peace.

The tripartite mechanism is composed of the United Nations, African Union, and the Intergovernmental Authority on Development.

It described Burhan’s statements as encouraging, saying they reflect a desire to reach a political agreement with the civilian forces on transitional arrangements and guarantees for a more stable transitional period that leads to transparent and fair elections.

Mohamed Belaish, spokesman for the mechanism, said the military is responsible for engaging in good faith to hand over the executive authority to a credible civilian authority.

He stressed that all political and civil actors must prioritize Sudan's stability and ability to transition to democracy and achieve just peace.

The mechanism underscored the importance of the international community’s continued support during this critical phase and expressed readiness to facilitate military-civil talks to reach an inclusive and sustainable settlement.



Israel Hits Beirut’s Southern Suburbs

A damaged car lies amid the destruction in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the neighborhood of Haret Hreik in Beirut's southern suburbs on November 23, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah.  (Photo by AFP)
A damaged car lies amid the destruction in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the neighborhood of Haret Hreik in Beirut's southern suburbs on November 23, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah. (Photo by AFP)
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Israel Hits Beirut’s Southern Suburbs

A damaged car lies amid the destruction in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the neighborhood of Haret Hreik in Beirut's southern suburbs on November 23, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah.  (Photo by AFP)
A damaged car lies amid the destruction in the aftermath of an Israeli airstrike that targeted the neighborhood of Haret Hreik in Beirut's southern suburbs on November 23, 2024, amid the ongoing war between Israel and Hezbollah. (Photo by AFP)

The Israeli army carried out airstrikes on Beirut’s southern suburbs, called Dahiyeh, again on Saturday.

It warned residents in parts of the suburbs that they were residing near Hezbollah facilities, which the army would target in the near future.

The warning, posted on X, told people to evacuate at least 500 meters away.

The army said that over the past day it had conducted intelligence-based strikes on Hezbollah targets in Dahiyeh, where Hezbollah has a strong presence. It said it hit several command centers and weapons storage facilities.