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Al-Ahram Weekly 22 - 28 July 1999 Issue No. 439 
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Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Al-Ahram Weekly 22 - 28 July 1999 Issue No. 439
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| Published in Cairo by AL-AHRAM established in 1875 |
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Egypt Region International Economy Opinion Culture Profile Features Focus Interview Travel Living Sports Time Out Chronicles People Cartoons Letters Settling with Sudan
Following Egypt's numerous overtures toward Sudan in recent months, it is time for Khartoum to take similar steps and take action on public statements expressing its intention to improve ties with Egypt.Egypt's commitment to the welfare of Sudan and its people, besides its awareness of the current threat to its territorial integrity, have led President Mubarak to let bygones be bygone in Egyptian relations with the government of President Omar Al-Bashir. For its part, Khartoum has shown a willingness to turn-over a new leaf, particularly with respect to its former ties with Egyptian militant Islamists who have worked to destabilise Egypt's security and hinder its economic development.
Egypt did not withhold its support when Khartoum's government realised what dangers it faced, embroiled as it was in wars with nearly all its African neighbours.
Regional strife, and Khartoum's fundamentalist policies, increased Sudan's isolation and raised suspicions that it might become the scene of a catastrophe like Kosovo.
The Egyptian government agreed to assist Sudan in mending fences with its neighbours, and has even taken on the difficult task of negotiating a compromise between Khartoum and opposition groups in exile. Now is the time for Sudanese President Al-Bashir to prove his good intentions. This could take place immediately, if Sudan agreed to cooperate with Egypt on security and provide credible information on militants suspected of having used it as a safe haven for years. Egyptian property confiscated by the Sudanese government when relations were at their lowest point should also be returned, including Cairo University's Khartoum branch campus.
Reaching a compromise with exiled opposition leaders and restoring democracy are also key steps toward resolving Sudan's problems and alleviating its people's suffering. It is simply not enough to meet, embrace and exchange sincere words. What is needed is immediate action.
