Articles
Washington Report on Middle East Affairs, April 2004, pages 85-86
Diplomatic Doings
Yemen’s Foreign Minister Speaks to Press
Sudan: A New Era
Fifty-eight years of colonial rule ended Jan. 1, 1956 in Africa’s largest country. At Sudan’s 48th Independence Day celebration held Jan. 15 at the Willard Hotel in Washington, DC, Sudanese Ambassador Khidir Haroun Ahmed paid tribute to all his countrymen and women who sacrificed their lives for freedom and independence. Special tribute was given to the great Sudanese hero, the late Minister Ismail Al-Azhari. “It is important for all Sudanese to remember today with pride and dignity,” the ambassador said.
Ambassador Ahmed also pointed out that this celebration coincided with the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.—“a day that we attach great significance to in the peaceful struggle for justice and equality in this great nation.”
For the first time in 20 years, the ambassador continued, there is hope for peace. “Our government and Southern Sudan (SPLMA) are negotiating away their differences in Naivasha, Kenya,” he explained, “in a determined effort to bring a just and lasting peace to all of Sudan. Their efforts will ultimately enable all Sudanese to enjoy the vast and huge resources of our country.”
He concluded by thanking Kenya, the U.S. government, and former Sen. John Danforth, the U.S. special envoy, for helping bring about the peace talks.
Pointing out the great promise Sudan holds in investments, trade and tourism, Ambassador Ahmed extended the hand of friendship to all Americans. He reaffirmed Sudan’s commitment to cooperate with Washington and the world to help rid the planet of international extremism, violence and terrorism.
His remarks were applauded by members of the African-American community, ambassadors and others in attendance.
—Anne Orleans
