{{Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir said on Monday that he will release all political detainees, a move welcomed by the opposition as tensions ease with South Sudan.}}<\/p>\n
“Today, we announce a decision to free all the political prisoners and renew our commitment to all political powers about dialogue,” Bashir said in a speech opening a new session of parliament.<\/p>\n
“We confirm we will continue our communication with all political and social powers without excluding anyone, including those who are armed, for a national dialogue which will bring a solution to all the issues,” the president said.<\/p>\n
Farouk Abu Issa, who heads the opposition alliance of more than 20 parties, said Bashir’s announcement was “a step toward genuine dialogue.”<\/p>\n
He said the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N), which has been fighting government forces for almost two years in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, had been demanding a prisoner release.<\/p>\n
“Very good news,” said Farouk Mohammed Ibrahim, of the Sudanese Organisation for Defence of Rights and Freedoms, a group of activists.<\/p>\n
He said there are “a large number” of detainees in South Kordofan and Blue Nile. These include 118 SPLM-N prisoners whose cases are being handled by his organisation in southern Blue Nile alone.<\/p>\n
“It’s a step forward,” Ibrahim said.<\/p>\n
But SPLM-N chairman Malik Agar declined comment on Bashir’s announcement, saying he was “not sure which political prisoners he is referring to”.<\/p>\n
Bashir’s statement elaborated on an offer made last week by Vice President Ali Osman Taha, who reached out to the SPLM-N and opposition political parties, whom he invited to join a constitutional dialogue.<\/p>\n
Sudan needs a new constitution to replace the 2005 document based on a peace agreement which ended a 23-year civil war and led to South Sudan’s separation in July 2011.<\/p>\n
Bashir’s regime had long rejected negotiations with the insurgents.<\/p>\n
{Agencies}<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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