Qatar Emir Meets with Omar Al-Bashir, Backs Sudan’s ’Unity’

Local Editor

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani said Wednesday the Gulf emirate backs the "unity and stability" of Sudan as he met the country's President Omar al-Bashir in Doha, but there was no announcement of a financial rescue package.

In further details, he hosted the Sudanese leader on his first trip abroad since widespread demonstrations erupted last month against his 30-year rule.

"The emir stressed Qatar's commitment to the unity and stability of Sudan. The talks also focused on developments of the peace process in Darfur," the Qatar News Agency reported.

It said the talks covered "bilateral ties," without giving details.

There was no announcement, however, of any financial assistance from Qatar for Bashir, whose government faces huge protests over a looming economic crisis involving rising food costs, soaring inflation and a shortage of foreign currency.

Bashir's regime has been rocked by anti-government protests which erupted across Sudan on December 19 after a government decision to triple the price of bread.

The protests are the biggest challenge yet to Bashir's authority, who swept to power in a 1989 coup.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team