Sudan Says Russian Base Complies with its Conditions
Arab World
Khartoum - Mohammed Amin Yassin
Sudan hasn’t withdrawn from the agreement with Russia on establishing a military base near the Port of Sudan on the Red Sea, a high-ranking Sudanese official told Asharq Al-Awsat newspaper. The official, who preferred to remain anonymous, said that the decision was issued by the Transitional Military Council upon agreeing on both countries’ conditions. He rejected to reveal further details on the matter. He ensured that discussions regarding the deal will be resumed once Russia fulfills its pledges. Sudanese Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Mohammed Osman Al Hussein pointed out that the agreement was signed during the term of ousted president Omar al-Bashir. However, it hasn’t been approved by the parliament following the drastic changes that took place in the country. “I think a compromise can always be found,” Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Mikhail Bogdanov said on Friday. “They have not denounced the agreement, have not withdrawn their signature, they said some questions have emerged,” he added. Retired lieutenant colonel in the Sudanese Navy Omar Arbab said the Russian presence in the Red Sea became a status-quo before completing the protocol procedures of the agreement. In February, Russia reinforced its presence at Flamingo base, Arbab added. A Russian military delegation led by Deputy Defense Minister Alexander Fomin recently held talks in Khartoum with the Sudanese Chief of Staff. Osman said that negotiations are underway with Russian officials "to achieve Sudan’s interests." US AFRICOM spokesperson stated earlier that there is no agreement between Russia and Sudan on establishing a Russian military basis on the Red Sea. The spokesperson added that Sudan hasn’t signed any agreement, therefore no prejudgments can be made on the official policy.
from Asharq AL-awsat https://english.aawsat.com/home/article/3011941/sudan-says-russian-base-complies-its-conditions
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