First Vice President briefed on position implementation of the IFAD's programs in Sudan
Khartoum, March 17 (SUNA) - The First Vice - President of
the Republic, Bakri Hassan Saleh, was briefed on implementation of the projects of International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) in Sudan and outcome of the Board of Trustees' meeting was held lately.

This came when the First Vice - President received in his office at the Republican Palace Wednesday the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation , Engineer Ibrahim Mahmoud, who informed Lt. Gen. Saleh on details of the agreement with IFAD to increase projects' finance in the country and to carry out rescheduling of debts.

The Minister said in a press statement that the meeting dealt with the outcome of the recent visit of a delegation of the Ministry of Agriculture to Brazil to benefit from the Brazilian experience in the field of agricultural development through the South - South cooperation program, pointing out that the First Vice - President has given a directive to continue work for strengthening the cooperation with the United Nations and Brazil and make necessary arrangements with IFAD for implementing more agricultural projects in Sudan.

General Salih Affirms State's keenness to Provide Food

Khartoum, Mar.16 (SUNA) - The First Vice-President of the Republic, General, Bakri Hassan Salih chaired, Monday, at the Cabinet Secretariat General, the meeting on the Summer Agricultural season which attended by the concerned ministers .
General Salih, during the meeting, affirmed the state's commitment to provide food materials to the citizens, calling for introduction of modern technologies to increase the production and support storage capacity for food grains .
The meeting reviewed a report on the performance during the winter and summer agricultural seasons and the situation of the preparation for the next season .

New Petroleum Produce Announced
Khartoum - The entry of the first new petroleum well of Gad Eseed (Elsufian) field production phase has been announced by the State Minister at the Ministry of Petroleum.
Mohamed Zayed Awad said the experimental operation of the well is currently underway, whereby the number of drilled wells amounted to three wells expected to enter the production phase gradually making it the first new petroleum produce in this year.
The State Minister affirmed completion of the field’s infrastructure including the pipelines linking the main processing station and three stations of the gathering as well as electricity current lines.
He said the volume of the produced petroleum from the well be announced later after the entry of the rest of drilled wells. Awad noted that work is progressing to realise the targets of the Ministry of Petroleum represented in increasing petrol produce in the country while survey and exploration operations are ongoing in a number of other fields.
Meanwhile, Husham Taj Al-Sir General Manager of the General Administration of Supplying and Marketing Petroleum elaborated that the volume of petroleum needed for operating electricity generation is available by 100 percent in all the generation stations of the country inside the national network and States stations.
He went on to deny the rumors circulated by the Deputy Manager of Electricity distribution company Almanzoul Musa Ibrahim confirming firm coordination between the Ministry of Petroleum, Ministry of Electricity, Ministry of Finance and the Central Bank of Sudan for providing all the countries requirements of fuel top of which is electricity sector.

Minister of Industry underlines keenness to enhance economic relations with Czech Republic and Hungary

Khartoum, Mar.16(SUNA)- Minister of Industry, Engineer Al-Semaih Al-Sidiq has underscored the Ministry keenness to develop economic relations with the Republic of Czech and Hungary , especially in industrial field.

The Minister, during his meeting with Sudan Ambassador to Hungary, Adil Bashir Hassan and Sudan Ambassador to the Republic of Czech, Ahmed Abdul-Rahman Suwar Al-Dahab Monday, reviewed the Ministry's plans to develop industrial sector and the industrial forum set. to be held in next November in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization(UNIDO).

The Minister of Industry directed the two Ambassadors to work for development of industrial ties between Sudan and the Republic of Czech and Hungary.

The two ambassadors, on thier part, expressed pleasure over full review for available investment opportunities in industrial field that would contribute to development of industrial and commercial relations between Sudan and each of Hungary and the Republic of Czech.

France Earmarks US$3m for Gum Arabic Development

Khartoum - The Agence Française de Développement (French Agency for Development - AFD) has announced that it will supply an estimated US$3million in favour of development and promoting the Arabic sector in Sudan. It affirmed that the support also includes gum Arabic importing companies.
A delegation of French companies that import gum Arabic from Sudan, visited the country last week headed by Vaudhryk Alan, the French businessman and General Manager of Robert Alan Company to confirm the EU countries, especially France’s need for Gum Arabic, which is used in various food, medical industries and drinks.
Sudan supplies more than 80 percent of the world’s supply of Gum Arabic.
Dr. Abdel-Majid Abdel-Gadir, the Secretary General of Gum Arabic Council, told the paper that the French company imports around 12,000-15,000 tonnes of Sudanese acacia and other types of gums to reproduce and prepare it for European and American markets, adding that France imports 50 percent of Sudanese gum Arabic production.
Abdel-Gadir pointed to growing interest by French companies in this sector, manifested in setting-up water stations in North Kordofan village of Hemeira and laying the foundation of a high school expected to graduate technical personnel for gum Arabic production.
The French delegation accompanied by Abdel-Gadir, visited North Kordofan where the delegation met with Ahmed Haroun, Governor of the state; in addition to officials in charge of agriculture and investments in the state. The two sides agreed to reenergise social responsibility initiated by the French Company with expected contributions from other American, European and Sudanese gum Arabic exporting companies.
The Agence Française de Développement (French Agency for Development - AFD) is a public development finance institution that has been working to fight poverty and foster economic growth in developing countries and the French Overseas Provinces for seventy years.
Meanwhile, arrangements have been made by the Ministry of Foreign Trade to export of 17,000 tonnes of Gum Arabic to the United States of America, during this year across the United Arab Emirates and a number of other countries.
The ministry confirmed the interest of the state to increase exports to provide foreign exchange.
Director of Exports Department at the ministry, Abdul Aziz Abu Talib said that the size of Gum Arabic exports to America amounted to US$8 million annually.
Abu Talib said that Gum Arabic is considered one of the top commodities in the pharmaceutical industry, referring to the export of product to some Arab and European countries.
He said Sudan has large amounts of fertile land for the production of Gum Arabic, stressing the state's interest in the productive sectors, especially non-petroleum products to support the national economy.

Minister of Agriculture affirms continuation of cooperation between Sudan and Brazil

Khartoum, March 15 (SUNA) - The Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Engineer Ibrahim Mahmoud Hamid, has announced the continuation of cooperation between Sudan and the Excellence Center in Brazil and the UN World Food Program (WFP), referring to an agreement to implement a similar program to excellence in in Sudan.
The minister told SUNA that he visited Brazil to discuss of an arrangement between the Government of Sudan represented by the Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation and the WFP in the context of cooperation among the countries of the south, which plays a greater role in addressing food insecurity.
He said his visit was aimed to boosting the cooperation between the countries of the South, which has developed its resources dramatically, such as China, Brazil and India , with African countries and other nations.
He said that the objective of creating a partnership between Sudan and Brazil and the United Nations in the context of South -South countries cooperation in the field of human resource development and take advantage of the experience of Brazil, which has become the world model and he praised the successes achieved by Brazil, which confirms the political commitment of the leadership of the country to the social development program and to support the national economy.
The Minister said during the visit they stood on the investment and commercial agriculture in Brazil's vast areas and paid a visit to agricultural research centers and various activities in the areas of trade and inspected a number of farming experimentss and research stations that support the agricultural field.
OA/MO
A memorandum of understanding has been signing with the Agricultural Research Center in one of the Brazilian states to set up a similar institute in Sudan to cooperate with each of the training of researchers and the exchange of visits and research in the field of agriculture.

It should be noted that the delegation, which was accompanied by the Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation included Minister of State for Social Security and Minister of State for Education and Undersecretary Minister of Health and Minister of Agriculture in Kassala State.

Delegation of French Company Importing Sudanese Gum Arabic Visit Sudan

Delegation of French Company Importing Sudanese Gum Arabic Visit Sudan
Khartoum, March 12 (SUNA) - Delegation of French companies that import gum Arabic from Sudan, headed by Mr. Vaudhryk Alan, the French businessman and General Manager of Robert Alan Company, is currently visiting Sudan to stand on the production of gum Arabic in the country, said the Secretary General of the Council of Gum Arabic, Dr. Abdul-Majid Abdul-Gadir, in a statement to SUNA.
He said that the French company imports at least 15% of the Sudanese gum Arabic production.
He indicated that the company is one of the European companies that manufacture and export of gum to the United States.
He said that the delegation has paid a visit to North Kordofan State, accompanied by officials of the Council of Gum Arabic and he meetings with the Wali (governor) of the state, the Commissioner of Investment and the Minister of Agriculture.
He said that as the company was inaugurated a water station in the village of Al-Himera and laid down the foundation stone for a school in the same village, in the context of social support to the people at the area.

200 observers from Non-Sudnese Students Organization to participate in Election process

Khartoum, Mar.12 (SUNA) - The Non-Sudanese Students Organization will participate in the up coming election by provision of 200 observers throughout Sudan .
The Official Responsible for Election File told SUNA that the organization coordinates with the National Election Commission concerning monitoring the elections, referring that the organization's administrative team received training courses on election process .
He pointed out that the organization is one of the organizations working under the umbrella of the National Voluntary Organizations Network foer monitoring elections 

Agreement of 86 million dollar for water harvesting in rural areas singed with Kuwaiti Economic Development Fund

Khartoum, Mar. 12 (SUNA) A loan agreement for the finance of the water harvesting project in the Sudan rural has initial singed Thursday, at the Ministry of Finance and National Economy, between the government of Sudan and the Kuwait Fund for Economic Development at the sum of 20 million Kuwaiti dinar , equivalent to about 68 million dollar for the projects first phase.
The Undersecretary of the Finance Ministry , Moustafa Howli has signed on behalf of the Sudan government, and Mohammed al-Omani the Kuwait Fund legal advisor has signed for the Kuwaiti party .
The finance ministry undersecretary noted that the project aims at providing funds for the dams all over the Sudan beside the water reservatours, the wells and dams in the states to meet the citizen's urgent need for drinking water.
Pointing that the project comes in the context of the state's five years programme, referring to its implementation which would be in accordance to the plan set by the Kuwaiti fund, the ministry of electricity and dams , the states and the close follow-up and observation of the finance ministry.
Howli has appreciated the continuous cooperation of the Kuwaiti fund in the economic and social fields and the support for the state's efforts for the poverty reduction in the country.
He commended Kuwait state efforts for the finance of a number of the strategic projects in the country, and its hosting to a number of conferences in favor of the country, revealing the convention of the Arab funds conference in Kuwait next April.
On his part, the head of the delegation of the Kuwaiti fund for the economic development, Dr. Abdul-Riadda Bahmin, has indicated the delegation evalution 10 days visit for the water harvesting project in the sudan rural areas, appreciationg the effforts of the Ministry of Electricity and Dams on the information garthering process which has resulted in the signing of the agreement, noting that the project will not the last of its kind, pointing that the loan repayment period is 20 years in the form of premium charges with the interest of 1.5%, indicating that the fund covers 60% of the total cost of 170 million dollar, of which 68 million dollar for the project first phase and 34 for the second one.
The agreement signing ceremony was attended by the leaders of the Ministry of Finance and the Kuwaiti Embassy Chargé d'affaires in Khartoum, and members of the Kuwaiti Fund mission in Khartoum.

Al Bashir Calls for Combating Regionalism and a Unified Nation
Khartoum - Nominee of the National Congress Party for the Forthcoming Presidential elections President Omar Al Bashir has affirmed his commitment to implementing all youth projects in the economic and social fields.
He said young people must pursue all opportunities in all executive and legislative positions of the state, describing Sudan as a young nation because most of the Sudanese people are youths, a matter that proves its might and health for the future.
While addressing the celebration of the national youth committee for his nomination at the Juveniles Stadium in Khartoum yesterday, Al Bashir said the work of youths committee will be transformed into a comprehensive developmental action plan to realise change.
The President expressed his pleasure at the youngsters support for his electoral programme, pledging to secure a bright future for the nation.
Al Bashir further stated that peace is a top priority of his programme and first priority in the States of the Blue Nile, South Kordofan and Darfur.
He said he will work on maintaining the efforts of the youth for the reconstruction of the country, calling on rebel movements to abandon arms and contribute to uniting all the people of Sudan and to combat regionalism to build a homeland that accommodates all.
Al Bashir hailed Sudan’s young women, describing them as the basic pillars for building the nation.
The President announced his commitment to encourage marriage and facilitating it and combating social ills, extravagancy and the reduction of marriage expenses.
For his part Bala Yousif, Chair of the National Youths Committee called on Al Bashir to establish a state of justice and accountability, and boost the participation of youth in all domains.

Ministry of Agriculture to Cultivate 10 Million Acres

Khartoum - The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation has unveiled its plan to cultivate 10 million acres using modern agricultural technologies as part of the country’s economic plan.
The Ministry stressed the necessity of caring for the farms of the traditional rain fed sector which represents more than 70 percent of the cultivated areas in the country.
State Minister at the Ministry of Agriculture Sabri Ad-Dawo Bakhiet affirmed that stressed the policy of the state aims to give concern to agriculture and develop it via increasing production and productivity to work towards making the country self-sufficient.
He called for scientific and technological advancement and the use of the most up-to-date methods developed by researchers in the field of agricultural technologies.
While addressing the workshop of assessing the platforms of launching water harvest and the preserving agriculture yesterday, Bakhiet said the programme is the best support for the farmers of the traditional rain fed field to implement the Arab food security initiative and combat hunger in Africa.
He said he hope this work would identify the positive aspects and work on supporting and developing them in addition to identifying the adverse effects.
The State Minister hailed the states for their rapid adoption of these technologies.
For his part undersecretary of the Ministry of Agriculture Dr. Baha Adin Mohamed Khamis disclosed the effective contribution of the private sector in implementing technologies.

Sudan Participates in COMESA Summit
KHARTOUM- A delegation headed by President Omar Hassan Al Bashir will take part in the upcoming COMESA summit set for the end of the current month.
A meeting of the national COMESA Committee held at the Republican Palace on Tuesday, reviewed arrangements for the summit and the participation of Sudanese experts and representatives of the various relevant ministries and institutions.
Minister for Commerce, Osman Omar Sharif, said the meeting has stressed the importance of scientific and technological research and the innovation awards that are presented by the COMESA as well as supporting the COMESA Fund relevant to external market permeation and training of staff.
He said it was also agreed to hold a meeting with the COMESA Fund at the ministry of Commerce to submit projects that the Fund could finance.

Al-Dawalab Presents Sudan Statement at UN Committee for Status of Women

(SUINA)- The Minister of Welfare and Social Security and deputy chairperson of the UN committee on status of women, Mashaer Al-Dawalab, has presented Sudan address before the member states at the organization.
She also gave Monday the address of the African Group and chaired same day the first meeting of the round-table women empowerment committee at the ministerial level.
The Secretary General of the National Population Council and member of Sudan, Dr. Limiya Abdul-Ghafar, has pointed to the outstanding and positive role of Sudan participation, indicating that the minister has pointed in her address to the state efforts for the empowerment and development of women and the policies, legislations and strategies adopted in this regard.
She said that the minister also pointed in her addresses to the great gains gained by women in the political, economic and social levels.
Dr. Limiya said that the minister also shed light on Sudan efforts in combating poverty and its adoption to the periodical strategy for combating poverty as well as the policies and legislations on micro-finance, employment, the rural women project and the state concern with the women and children issues.
She indicated that the minister has underscored the importance of regional and international cooperation on the issues of women development and empowerment.
She said that the minister has affirmed the importance of commitment to Addis Ababa Declaration on implementation of Beijing Plan, achieving agenda of 2063 for Africa and the Arab Declaration and its recommendations.

Acting Undersecretary of Foreign Ministry receives Arab League delegation

Khartoum, Mar.11(SUNA)- The Acting Undersecretary of Foreign Ministry, Sanaa Hamad received in his office Wednesday the advance delegation of Arab League which si currently visiting the Country to evaluate preparations being made by the National Elections Commission(NEC).

Sanaa Hamad briefed the delegation on the current political developments in Sudan and preparations for elections, pointing out that Sudan has received applications from a number of countries and international and regional organizations to monitor the upcoming elections.

She also presented a brief on processes of national dialogue and the society-based dialogue which, she added, will continue even after the elections.

The Head of the delegation reviewed their meetings with the NEC , affirming that League role focuses on giving consultancy and followed by provision of technical support to the Commission.

He asserted the Arab League support to peace and development in Sudan.

Plans for Settlement of Pharmaceutical Industry in Sudan

Khartoum - Technical Committee for Economic Development Sector of the Council of Ministers recommended to strengthen plans and policy of settling the pharmaceutical industry, and to provide foreign exchange for the provision of production inputs.
The committee reviewed a report on the position of foreign exchange allocated for medication.

The report explained that the mechanism, which was formed to provide foreign exchange for drugs, contributed in the provision of medication during the last period.

The report included a number of recommendations, most notably, to increase foreign exchange amounts to import medicines, and support the national pharmaceutical industry.

The committee approved the loan agreement between the Government of Sudan and the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, to help finance the project of Upper Atbara and Setet dams, and the framework agreement for cooperation in the field of agriculture, animal wealth and fisheries between Sudan and Saudi Arabia.

Al Bashir Pledges to Continue Development Projects
Kassala - President Omar Al Bashir affirmed his keenness to complete development projects in the country, saying, "We do not launch promises for the election, but we have to be dictated by our values."
Addressing the mass meeting yesterday in the context of his election campaign in Kassala State, the National Congress Party (NCP) candidate said they are focusing on their electoral programme on peace as a priority, followed by unity and equality of all citizens.
Al Bashir reviewed the struggle of the people of Kassala in protecting their homeland.
"Peace requires development, which is what we are working to establish," he said, referring to the distress experienced by the country after the secession of South Sudan.
Al Bashir also tackled development projects in eastern Sudan.
He said the project of Upper Atbara River and Setet dams was proposed in the sixties, but now it has become a reality and will contribute to the cultivation of a million acres of agricultural land.
For his part, Governor of Kassala State, Mohamed Yousif Adam greeted the President and his accompanying delegation.
He said that all localities of Kassala support the nomination of Omar Al Bashir, as they belief in the sincere will of the NCP programmes.
The governor said that the people of Kassala will protect the country through the ballot box.
Presidential Assistant, President of the Beja Congress Party, representative of the People's National Committee for the nomination of Al Bashir, Musa Mohamed Ahmed noted that the committee, which includes various political forces and parties and movements, agreed to support the NCP candidate to complete political and economic reform, pointing to internal and external crises facing the country, appealing to citizens to vote in the next elections.
For his part, Sheikh Betai reviewed the NCP achievements in the state during the last period.
He called on the citizens of the state to support the NCP and vote for the party candidate for the presidency.

SRCS Volunteers to Participate in Elections

Khartoum, Mar.9 (SUNA) - Ten thousands Sudanese Red Crescent (SRCS) volunteers will participate in the upcoming elections by providing the Firs aid services in polling stations in all the states of the country .
The SRCS Secretary General, Engineer, Osman Jafar Abdulla told SUNA, Sunday, that an integrated plan has been worked out to recruit the SRCS voluntary teams and deploy them in voting centers .
He added that the volunteers will also provide drinking water and other services in coordination with the National Election Commission .

WB promises to assist Sudan, Finance Minister calls for handling its debts

Khartoum, Mar. 9 (SUNA) The World Bank has promised to take action with the coordination of the development partners for the remedy of the Sudan's problems in the areas of development and poverty reduction.
The executive director at the World Bank for 22 African countries, including the Sudan, admitted the Sudan's right to take advantage of the bank's assistance according to its membership in the Bank's Group and the latter's commitment to work for the achievement of economic development and poverty reduction in the member states.
Meanwhile, the Finance Minister, Badr-Eddin Mahmoud , during his meeting Monday at his office the WB's executive director, demanded the banks assistance for handling the Sudan's foreign debts following its fulfillment to all the technical conditions for the debts relief, asserting the bank's role with the coordination with the World Monetary Fund and the partners for the lifiting the economic boycott off the Sudan and to avoid its negative effects on people and the development.
The Finance Minister called for bushing a head the government's efforts for boosting and capabilities building the of the private secotr to increase its contribution in the revenues and the increase of the production.
The minister has asserted the WB expected role in the reactivation and speeding up contribution of the doonoers countries via the doonors support fund for the finance of the services projects in the Sudan.
The executive director at the world bank Mr. Lewis has promised to exert efforts for assisting the Sudan to resolve its problems and to submit them to the concered authorities in the bank with the coordination of the WMF and the Development Partners. 

Framework agreement to provide Kosti electricity station with oil from Adariel fields in Southern Sudan

The Sudan and the State of South Sudan have signed a framework agreement whereby Kosti city electricity station would be provided with crude oil from Adariel oil fields in South Sudan.

The oil quantity for the operation of the electricity station amount to 18 thousand barrels per day for the production of 500 Mega watt of electricity for the benefit of the two states.

The singing ceremony was attended by the Oil Minister Engineer Makawi Mohamed Awad, and his counterpart of the state of the South, Stephen Dhieu Dau , in the presence of the Finance Ministry state Minister, the representatives of the Ministry of Electricity and Water Resources and the Central Bank and their counterparts in the state of South Sudan.

The Oil Miister who led the Sudan's delegation and held lengthy talks which were concluded with the signed framework agreement, asserted his commitment to provide all the technical assistance in the framework of this fruitful cooperation, noting that the agreement comes in favor of the two brotherly nations.

On his part, South Sudan oil minister, apprecitated the implementation of the agreements that have been signed in Addis Ababa in the field of oil, praising the cooperation of the Ministry of Oil for providing the technical assistance and facilitating the arrival of spare parts , the laboratories and training equipment.

A delegation from the Oil Ministry , a number of the relevant ministries and Dar Petroleum company is expected to arrive in Kosti to discuss the technical arrangements in the framework of the implementation of the joint agreement, while the final signing of the agreement will be in the third week of current March.

UN Women Marks International Women's Day in Sudan

In marking International Women’s Day and 20 years since the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action, UN Women was joined by representatives from the Sudanese government, African Union, United Nations Country Team and the Canadian Embassy in hosting a wide-ranging panel discussion and art exhibition at the Corinthia Hotel in downtown Khartoum.
The Beijing Declaration is widely regarded as the most comprehensive blueprint for the advancement of women’s rights. Today’s panel examined its legacy in Sudan and the way forward. The event’s art exhibit featured modern and traditional depictions of women in Sudan by local artists.
“Looking back, I am comforted by the progress made since Beijing but I am also concerned about the fragility of this progress in so many countries where women continue to bear the burden of poverty, armed conflict, gender-based violence and all sorts of violations of their fundamental rights,” said UN Women Deputy Country Representative Fatou Lo, who had taken part to the Beijing Conference as a youth delegate.
The Khartoum event was attended by nearly 60 representatives from, state ministries, embassies, UN agencies, universities and civil society organisations. Ms. Lo thanked the Sudan Ministry of Welfare and Social Security (MoWSS) for their support of the event, and the African Union and Canadian Embassy in their role as co-sponsors.
Among the panel speakers was Amal Gasim Ahmed, Director of the General Directorate of Women and Family Affairs at the MoWSS. “Today is an opportunity to review and assess the indicators and present suggestions, recommendations and decisions,” she said, emphasising the importance of rural development as a necessity for women’s empowerment.
This call was echoed by Ahfad University Professor Balghis Badri, who lauded “grassroots movements powered by young female activists.” She added that proper access to education and health services for young women are the best means by which their communities can succeed. She also outlined a way forward in empowering women, through strengthening the legal and policy frameworks for women’s rights, changing mindsets and crafting integrated packages of development interventions.
Ambassador Mahmoud Kane, Representative of the African Union in Sudan, highlighted the need for joint efforts by all stakeholders to break barriers and forge lasting peace. “The AU in Sudan has been facilitating several issues including peace talks and the National Dialogue,” he began. “We always urge negotiators to increase the involvement of women in these discussions. The work of women in resolving conflicts in extremely important. Because women and the first victims of conflict.”
This call for collective action was also reflected in the national launch of UN Women’s global HeForShe campaign. United Nations Acting Resident Coordinator, Geert Cappalaere, led male guests in signing up for the initiative, which aims to encourage greater involvement by men in promoting gender equality.

Bashir Promise to Continue Implementing Sharia
Omdurman– A rally of Sufi Sect in Omdurman was addressed by Omar Al Bashir yesterday, as part of the President’s electoral campaign.
During his speech, the National Congress Party Presidency nominee said when his regime announced implementation of Sharia they found that it has a strong foundation, stressing that that its announcement and implementation is not created in a vacuum.
He vowed that his presidential term of office will see the establishment of more mosques and Quran Khalwas (traditional Quranic schools). He said their principle focus is the realisation of Islamic Sharia.
Al Bashir further received a charter of solidarity and support from Sufi sect stressing support.
The president continues his electoral campaign today by visiting Kassala State, where he will address a mass rally.


Sudan to participate in Milan international fair
Khartoum, Mar. 8 (SUNA) The Sudan will participate for the first time, with special wing at the Milan international fair in Italy with more than 145 of the world's states from next May to the 30 of October.
The general commissionor of the Ministry of Trade for Milan fair, Hassan Abnu-Aouf, indicated in statement to SUNA, that the cost of the Sudan's special wing estimated at 1,850 million euro, noting to the importance of participation in the fair for the promotion for the investment opportunities available in the Sudan.
abnu-Aouf, pointed out that all the Sudanese companies participating at the fair have completed preparations for the success of the Sudan's wing in the fair's activities, while the invitation is still open for all the Sudan's companies to take part in the event which would be attended by a number of head of states and governments and would be visited by about 25 million visitors from around the world.
He asserted that the trade minister has extended invitation to ministers of the economic sector to participate in the national day and the Sudan's week via the investment forums of the Milan international fair, the gum Arabic forum and the forum of the production of pio-food in the Sudan.

White Nile Tannery Inaugurated

Khartoum - The White Nile Tannery was inaugurated by President Omar Al Bashir yesterday.
The ceremony was attended by a number of ministers, senior officials, businessmen, ambassadors and diplomats.
Al Bashir issued Presidential decree No. 135 offering the General Manager of the company Dr. Mohamed Omer Yousif Er-Rufaie the Order of Merits.
Minister of Industry Al-Simeih Al-Siddig has announced in the speech he delivered in the ceremony the support and sponsorship of his ministry to the private sector and its willingness to remove all obstacles facing industry.
He said their plan is to operate all the idle capacities and attract more investments, as well as seeking means to shift from processing industries to strategic industries by manufacturing and assembling electronic device, workshops equipment, manufacturing light vehicles, indigenising industries instead of importation to refute circulating rumors that industries have stopped in the country.
Al-Siddig said Sudan earns a small share of international leather industries which yields US$110 billion per year, requesting the President of the Republic to establish and support a model skin processing tannery.
He said foreign investments in the country amounts to 60 percent of the total investments a matter that created job opportunities for citizens.
For his part, General Manager of the White Tannery outlined that the tannery provides most of the domestic market needs for shoes and boots for the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Regular forces.
Er-Rufaie vowed to restore the Sudanese industry back to its previous state to create more than 10 thousands work opportunities for the Sudanese workforce along with contributing to the country’s revenues with hard currency. 
He said a plan will be set to export finished skins to earn more than US$150 million, expecting the tannery to process 5,000 sheep skins and 15,000 cow hides, with the aim of providing raw skins to Sudanese factories and workshops.

Chief Justice Affirms Independence and Fairness of Judiciary
Khartoum, Mar. 2 (SUNA)- The Chief Justice, Prof. Haidar Ahmed Dafa'alla, has affirmed the independence, neutrality and honesty of the Judiciary, indicating that all the national constitutions have stipulated existence of an independent Judiciary to guarantee the rule of law and realization of justice.

At a meeting with representative of the mass media and editors-in-chief assigned to acquaint with the plan for enhancing the judicial work, the Chief Justice asserted that the judges are free are free in carrying out their mission and independent in issuing verdicts.

Prof. Dafa'alla stressed that realization of democracy and establishment of the state of law necessitate cooperation between the Judiciary and the media based on their capability to push ahead the values of justice, freedom and equality and confronting violations and revealing the shortcomings.

Meanwhile, the Deputy Chief Justice, Mahjoub Al-Amin Al-Fekki, attributed the delay to issue rules in suits to a number of reasons, including the great shortage in the number of judges, adding that the Judiciary has adopted various measures to issue judgments in suits as quickly as possible.

He said that the judges have been directed to deal with the litigants decently and respectfully.
He affirmed that the judges apply law fairly and objectively and have no jurisdiction to express their opinions in the law that they apply.

Japan Funds Construction of Primary Schools in Northern State
Khartoum - The grant contract signing ceremony of the Project for Construction of Tangasi Aruays Primary Schools in Meroe Locality, Northern State was held yesterday at the residence of the Japanese Ambassador, H.E. Mr. Hideki Ito.
The project is funded by the government of Japan, through Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP) scheme.

The project will be implemented by a Sudanese NGO, Vet-care Organisation.
The signing ceremony was hosted by Ambassador Ito and attended by Dr. Osama Nowrani, Executive Director of Vet-care Organisation, Meroe Locality Commissioner, Abdul Karim Abdul Rahim, Education Administration Director in Meroe Locality, Taha Widatallah, and other officials.

The project will contribute to rehabilitating and reconstructing both boys' and the girls' primary schools of Tangasi Aruays. It also aims to provide the currently enrolled 365 pupils with an enhanced learning environment and boost school enrollment and lower dropouts rates for in the area and the neighbouring villages, by constructing 18 classrooms, 11 offices and other facilities.
At the signing ceremony, Ambassador Ito emphasised the importance of education: "Japanese people were paying strong attention to the education of their children even before Japan introduced western education system in the 19th century. Education and hard work are the keys to rapid economic development of Japan after the devastation of the Second World War. We are contributing to education in Sudan as well." He strongly hoped that the schools will bring a tangible benefit not only to the village but to the surrounding villages as well.

For his part Commissioner of Meroe Locality and other officials attending the ceremony expressed their sincere gratitude for Japan's contribution in improving the education environment in Northern State. They also expressed their hope that the grant will launch further cooperation between the Government of Japan and the Northern State.

Central Bank Provides US$10 Million for Medicine Importation

Khartoum – Central Bank of Sudan (CBOS) revealed providing US$10 million for importing medicine.

CBOS Policies Department Head, Mohammed Osman affirmed that they have formed a committee to review the process of providing the amount through the commercial banks, stressing that the CBOS has no shortcoming in the financial resources.
For his part, CBOS Microfinance Unit Head, Badr Addeen Abdul Rahim said that the bank works in the framework of its new policies through which the private sector is involved in the microfinance.

He added that the new microfinance policies aim at economical stability.

Press and Publications Council Chairman, Prof. Ali Shummo called for reconsidering the microfinance process to include the cultural and social aspects besides the training and media information.

US Commended for Lifting Technology Embargo

Khartoum - Sudan has praised the American step to lift the economic sanctions in on communication and technology in the country.

It considers the move as the start of pushing forward relations between the two countries.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Karti said in a press statement at Khartoum Airport yesterday, relations between Sudan and America cannot advance unless the American Administration implements its pledges to Sudan.

He noted that Washington was not committed to implementing its promises; however the recent visit by the Presidential Assistant Ibrahim Ghandour and the Minister of Foreign Affairs to Washington has put relations on the right track.
He went on to say that Khartoum is expecting the American administration to take steps in the near future saying that there is an agreement between Sudan and America to hold rounds of talks.

Karti outlined that America is convinced that Sudan has many rights and what took place is the beginning of these rights.

OFAC Statement 

It is worth noting that the United States Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) announced on Tuesday that is amending Sudan’s sanctions regime to allow exports of personal communications hardware and software including smart phones and laptops.

The move was first made at a press call by the US special envoy to Sudans Donald Booth who emphasised that this move aims to help ordinary citizens by connecting them to the rest of the world and to further free speech.
"These changes are consistent with our commitment to promote freedom of expression through access to communications tools," Booth told reporters.

"These changes also support our aim to help Sudanese citizens integrate in the global digital community" he added.
OFAC said in its press release that the easing of sanctions is consistent with the US government’s “commitment to the advancement of the free flow of information and to facilitate communications by the Sudanese people, including during a national dialogue”.

This month, the Sudanese presidential assistant Ibrahim Ghandour concluded a rare visit to Washington where he held talks with senior officials at the White House and State Department.

The Sudanese foreign minister Ali Karti also visited Washington separately this month to participate in the National Prayer Breakfast together with US president Barack Obama and international dignitaries.

It was also reported today that the U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary in the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labour Steven Feldstein will visit Sudan next week.

Sudan is on the US list of countries supporting terrorism since 1993 and also subjected to economic sanctions since 1997.
Washington acknowledges Sudan’s cooperation in the fight against terrorism, but attached new conditions to normalizing ties related to the end of the conflicts in Darfur, Blue Nile and South Kordofan.

Sudanese officials however, insist that issues of bilateral relations should be discussed without interfering in Sudan internal affairs.

The lifting of US digital technology sanctions on personal communication items has been a focus of a campaign launched last year by Sudanese civil society groups named “The Sudanese initiative to lift US sanctions on Sudan”.

Society Efforts to Lift the Ban

According to a report that appeared on Indexcensorship.org, an international organisation that promotes and defends the right to freedom of expression, the campaign argued that these sanctions negatively impact Sudanese citizens’ access to information communication technologies (ICT) in a number of sectors, including educational institutions, pro-democracy civil society and humanitarian efforts that utilize geographic information system (GIS) technology.

Mohamed Hashim Kambal, the campaign’s coordinator was quoted as saying that “Through talking to Sudanese citizens belonging to a wide variety of sectors it is clear that US sanctions not only hampers access to independent information but also access to knowledge and to aspects of the internet related to crowd sourcing and crisis mapping”.

“We want to be clear that this is not an appeal to lift all sanctions from the Sudanese regime that continues to commit human rights atrocities. This is an appeal to empower Sudanese citizens through improved access to ICTs so that they can be more proactive on issues linked to democratic transformation, humanitarian assistance and technology education — an appeal to make the sanctions smarter,” Kambal added.

The Indexcensorship.org report noted that users inside the country cannot purchase original software online and that they along with universities, rely heavily on pirated software that cannot be updated online automatically and is often ridden with malware.

Meanwhile, Wislinsh Mazingis, Representative of the Office of Population, Migration and refugees at the American Department of State wound-up her visit to Sudan. The visit took place from February 9 to February 18, during which she met with the Under-Secretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Refugees Commissioner, the Commissioner of Humanitarian Aid, the Public Administration of Passports and Migration and the National Council for Child Care.

She also visited refugee camps at Kassala State and the camps of arrivals from South Sudan in the White Nile State.
She also met the international organisations that implement the American programme of assistance to refugees in Sudan.
A joint meeting was held yesterday morning under the chairmanship of Ambassador Adil Bashir and a number of related agencies with the American delegation.

The American official has expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the huge cooperation by the Sudanese Authorities that enabled her to complete her visit successfully.

She outlined that the United States of America has extended in 2014 a humanitarian assistance to the refugees via international organisations amounting to $US37 million.

She said the American government has extended an extra assistance this year to the arrivers from South Sudan State to the value of US$6.2 million.

Elections commissioner: voting starts on April the 13th and ends after two days, 15th of April
Khartoum, Feb.15 (SUNA)-The National Elections Commissioner, Professor Mukhtar Al Asam, said voting in next April elections begins on the 13th and continues up to the 15th, while votes count begins on the 16th.

The commissioner has pointed out in a press briefing following his meeting with representatives of 44 political parties as well as independent candidates at the Grand Holiday in Khartoum, that his meeting with the politicians reviewed three axes including the media, expenses control and voting regulations.

He said the meeting has concluded the formation of a media mechanism, that brings all representatives of political parties, and the 9 presidential candidates as well as an executive council from the leaders of the mass media, and that the mechanism would also be responsible for the expenditure ceilings during the campaign.

The commissioner said the voting would continue for three days in place of one day, with the aim to give voters more opportunities to exercise their rights.

He said voting begins at 8 in the morning and up to 6th in the evening. He said the final results will be announced after receiving results from all the states, on 27th of April.

He revealed that there are 7133 voting centers.

He said there are between 80-85 million ballot tickets which have been printed at the Sudan currency publishing house in Khartoum.

He said it is the due right of the representatives of the political parties to stay with the ballot boxes and during the counting.

He said no one will be allowed to be inside the center save those having an authentic id card to be issued by the commission.

He said each political party has the right to run its own election campaign without any intervention from the commission.

International Cardiologists Conference in Sudan
Sudan Heart Society (SHS) is comprised of 40 Cardiologists in Sudan. In addition there are 16 who have recently specialized and 18 who are presently undergoing specialized training in Cardiology. SHS is affiliated to European Society of Cardiology and also has strong relations with Complex Cardiovascular Catheter Therapeutics(C3) based in Orlando, Florida in USA. No wonder there were speakers from UK and USA at the third International Conference of SHSheld in Khartoum during 24th -27th January. There were also speakers from Ireland, South Africa, India, Egypt, KSA, Malaysia and Sudan. The topics of presentations ranged from paediatric cardiology to cardiac surgery. There were workshops on echocardiography, cardiac devices and on peripheral cardiac and radiological intervention. Dr.Kamaleldin Eltayeb Omda presently the most senior Cardiologist in Sudan remarked at the opening session that Cardiology has advanced a lot since his times even in Sudan. The International conference was inaugurated by Prof.Mamoun Homeida Khartoum State Minister of Health. The present President of SHS is Dr.Abdelrahman Ziada and the General Secretary is Dr.Elsadig Askar. This conference went along way to create training opportunities and in sharing experience to develop the profession and cardiac services in Sudan.

Finance Minister Downplays US Dollar Speculations
Khartoum – The current speculations concerning the decline of the US dollar against the national currency due to a package of fiscal measures taken by the ministry and the Central Bank of Sudan (CBOS) has been downplayed by the Minister of Finance.
Following a meeting with the President of the Republic yesterday, Badr-Eddin Mahmoud Abbas briefed the President on the results of his recent visit to France and Germany, and his participation in the Afro-French Financial Forum.
The minister met with German companies working in the field of agriculture and minerals, in addition to the German Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Ministry.
Mahmoud said that there is a positive trend from Germany towards Sudan.
The minister pointed to the successes of the financial and economic performance.
Meanwhile, President Omar Al Bashir directed Ministry of Finance for more coordination with the ministries of the economic sector, provision of basic goods to citizens and increase funding for the sectors of agriculture and industry.

Karti Participates in Inauguration of Elected Croatian President
Khartoum, Feb. 16 (SUNA) - The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Karti, Sunday morning participated in the inauguration of the elected Croatian President, Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic, In Zagreb.
The Croatian President has received Karti after her oath-taking ceremony who conveyed to her the congratulations of the President of the Republic on her election and his wished that the relations and cooperation between Sudan and Croatia will witness more strengthening.
The Foreign Minister also met during his visit to Zagreb with the Croatian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and European Affairs, Vesna Pusic, and discussed means of consolidating the relations and cooperation between Sudan and Croatia as well as an expected visit of a Croatian companies' delegation to Sudan.
Karti has renewed his invitation to the Croatian Foreign Minister to visit Sudan.

Minister of Industry reveals introduction of 200 projects to forum of industrial investment
Khartoum, Feb. 11 (SUNA)- Minister of Industry, Al-Semaih Al-Sideeq revealed that the ministry will submit 200 industrial projects of high economic feasibility to the industrial investment forum to be organized by the ministry of industry in collaboration with the United Nations Industrial Development Organization UNIDO, early this year.

The Minister of Industry made the statement in the meeting of the preparotary committee of the industrial investment forum, in the presence of the secretary general of the industrial chambers union, Dr. Abass Ali Alsyed, and the director general of Kenana Sugar Company.

Al-Semaih explained that the projects to be introduced to the forum will include, among other things, sugar sector industries, edible oils , fisheries, organic fertlizers, cement, steel, glass, leather and the engineering industries.

The minister asserted that the fourm will be a chance for the private sector to play greater role, and an opportunity for the promotion for the industrial projects to increase its competitive capability.

The Minister stressed the need for making good preparations before the forum kicks off. He revealed that a number of the Asian countries will take part in the event, including China , South Korea, India, Arab countries, and economic funds and institutions.

Al -Semaih has indicated during the meeting which was attended by, representitives of the Central Bank of Sudan, Kenana Sugrar company, the Industrial Development Bank, and Industrial Researches and Consultations Center, the completion of the feasibility studies of the sugar industry and the related industries.

Minister of Agriculture affirms Sudan is qualified to top countries in guaranteeing food security to the world
Khartoum, Feb. 11 (SUNA)- The Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation, Engineer Ibrahim Mahmoud Hamid, stressed that Sudan, based its its vast cultivable lands, abundant water and good infrastructures, is qualified to be the top country in securing food to the world which is suffering from the food gap.
At a press conference held by the ministry at the Police Club in Khartoum Wednesday, the minister said Sudan that has a chance to cover of international need for fodders and agricultural products.
He expected the major investments and partnerships, especially with China and Turkey, to grow up and that the number of Arab investors in Sudan would increase in response to President Al-Bashir 's Initiative on Arab food security.
Engineer Hamid has called for return of the Cotton Company as a specialized body in the cotton field to operate in fields of funding and the purchase of cotton after adoption of the administrative and structural reforms.
He called for support to the commercial attachés offices at Sudan embassies abroad toward finding new markets for the Sudanese exports.

Al Bashir, Zuma Discuss Talks Cement Relations

Khartoum - Support for the United Nations and the African Union has been affirmed by President Omar Al Bashir and President of South Africa, Jacob Zuma as the two frames to establish and strengthen international and regional security and peace.

Al Bashir emphasised the depth of relations between the two countries, saying that Sudan is looking forward to develop them further in all fields for the benefit of the two countries and the African continent.

In joint press statements following the conclusion of their talks in Khartoum yesterday, the Sudanese President said Zuma's visit to the country is important and that it will reflect on the bilateral relations. 

He described their talks as fruitful and covered many issues of common concern.

Al Bashir said that the talks touched on joint action and the aim to activate the ministerial committee to perform its functions to consolidate relations between the two countries.

The President praised the efforts of Zuma in promoting social, economic and cultural conditions in South Africa.

For his part, the South African President expressed his happiness to visit Sudan. He pointed out that Sudan has important roles to play in terms of regional and global political action. He said that Sudan was one of the first countries that supported the liberation movements in Africa, in addition to its support for the late and former South African President Nelson Mandela and granted him Sudanese nationality. Zuma expressed his appreciation and that of the people of South Africa for this stance.

He described his talks with Al Bashir as constructive; saying that many important issues were discussed that concern the two countries at regional and global levels. He said that the visit is a real breakthrough for the strong relationship between Sudan and South Africa.

Zuma said the talks tackled the importance of achieving African unity.

He expressed his appreciation and that of the people of South Africa for President Omar Al Bashir and to the government and people of Sudan for the warm welcome and hospitality given to him and his accompanying delegation.

In their final statement, the two presidents stressed the importance of the role of the African sub-regional organisations in economic integration, peace, security and stability within the continent.

The statement said that the two presidents exchanged views on bilateral relations and regional and international issues of common interest. 

Joint Ministerial Committee

They expressed satisfaction with the level of relations and cooperation between the two countries.
 
The two presidents requested from their respective foreign ministers to complete procedures of the agreement relating to the establishment of a joint ministerial committee between the two countries, to be chaired by at the level of foreign ministers.

The two sides also reviewed the level of the balance of trade between the two countries, and stressed their commitment to strengthen economic ties between through encouragement of public and private sector to enter into partnerships.

Al Bashir and Zuma further discussed the conflict in South Sudan, appealing to the parties to put an end to the conflict.

The development agenda beyond 2015, adopted by the United Nations and the role of governments to harmonize their efforts in order to create an equal and equitable world were also touched on.

The two presidents expressed their support and solidarity with the countries affected by the waves of violence and terrorist attacks.

South Africa Support 

For his part, Foreign Minister, Ali Karti said in a press statement at Khartoum Airport that the visit of the President of South Africa came at a time when Sudan is witnessing significant changes.

Karti said Zuma is one of the African leaders who contributed to the liberation of South Africa from apartheid, and who appreciates the contributions and the role of President Al Bashir on the African continent.
 
The minister reviewed the support of the State of South Africa to Sudan in all the issues and the role it has been played in the Security Council towards the issues raised about the Sudan.

Karti said that there is an economic partnership and agreements between Sudan and South Africa. 

He pointed to the existence of training opportunities between the two countries.

Karti also referred to the important role played by the former South African president Thabo Mbeki, on issues of peace in Sudan through the African Union Peace and Security Council and the UN Security Council.

Khartoum, Jan.28(SUNA)- Sudan and Chad have affirmed keenness to maintain integrated and strategic relations which would positively reflect on situations of people of the two countries and people of tyeh region.

President of the Republic, Field Marshal Omer Al-Bashir in press statements at the end of his talks with the Chadian President, Idris Debbi at the Presidential Palace in Khartoum Wednesday, said Sudan and Chad give a model for fruitful cooperation in all fields, a matter which contributed to effect stability along the joint borders, stressing Sudan endeavor to develop such cooperation.

President Al-Bashir indicated that the visit of President Debbi to Khartoum came within framework of continuing cinsultation between leaderships of the two countries,.
He added that the talks has tackled a number of regional issues of mutual concern, such as situations in the neighboring countries, Libya, Central African Republic.
President Debbi said the talks focused on how to boost the existing cooperation between the two countries to include the various fields, besides linking Chad with Sudan to make use of Port Sudan.
He added the talks also tackled several regional issues including the situations in Libya, issue of Boko Haram.

Mohyeldin to Head the Sudanese Indian Friendship Association

Sudanese Indian Friendship Association (SIFA) is made up of Sudanese people who graduated from Indian Universities. Whether it is from Madras, Pune, Nagpur, Baroda, Jabalpur or Hyderabad all the Sudanese Alumni from any of these Universities are members of SIFA. On Saturday 13th December an election was held to elect the new President of SIFA under the guidance of Council for International Peoples Friendship. There were 350 members present. Moulana Abdel Bashit Abdel Majid former Education and Tourism Minister of Sudan represented the Council and set the guidelines. He insisted that the members of SIFA should be comprised of 70% Sudanese and rest 30% by Indians.

Ambassador of India H.E. Sanjay Kumar Verma was present and addressed the large gathering of Sudanese people who have been educated in India. His Excellency shared that every year 250 scholarships were awarded to Sudanese students to study in Indian Universities. Moreover 2500 students went to India every year under self- financing programs. The Ambassador was pleased to announce that Nuclear Medicine will be a new subject offered to Sudan. He added that SIFA has played a positive role in increasing trade relations between the two countries which was 1.3 billion US$ and is slated at 1.7billion US$ at the end of this year’s financial year ending in March’15. While he said that the Embassy of India represents the Government of India he also added that the Mission was for the people both Indian and Sudanese.

The outgoing President of SIFA Yousrie Burai thanked everyone for their cooperation and support the newly elected President Mohyeldin Mohyeldin Abdeltam promised to do his best in creating a favourable atmosphere in all fields between India and Sudan. A successful businessman Mohyeldin formed a core committee of 20 members. Dr.Anil Mithani President of the Omdurman Indian Community is also in this core committee of SIFA.

FVP Inaugurates 32nd International Fair of Khartoum

Khartoum – First Vice President, Lt. Gen. Bakri Hassan Saleh opened the 32nd round of International Fair of Khartoum yesterday.
Meanwhile, Sudanese Free Zone General Manager, Osama Hashim revealed discussions with the Ministry of Finance and customs authorities on the marketing of the participating countries in the last two days of the fair through quotas system.
He said that this comes within endeavors to avoid reshipping goods.
Hashim said that there will be a market outside the pavilions to sell Sudanese folklore besides food and other commodities at reduced prices.
The 32nd International Fair of Khartoum will take place from 21 to 28 January, 2015. The event is considered the largest general trade fair in the region and is one of the most important windows of trade exchange and promotion between Sudan and Arab, African, European and Latin American countries.
More than 20 countries representing 650 local and international companies will participate in the IFK.
Inauguration Committee Head, Shaza Osman Omer said the session represents a great economical event hosted by Sudan, pointing out that the Ministry of Foreign Trade aims to attract more Arab and foreign investment.
20 Egyptian companies are also participating in the fair in several fields to reflect the advancement of their products.


President Al-Basher Gives directives to rise the retirement age for state employees to 65 years. SWTUF Support Nomination of Al-Basher for new term of office

Khartoum, Jan. 21 (SUNA) - The President of the Republic, Omer Al-Bashir has given directives to raise retirement age for state employees from 60 to 65 years .

President Al-Bashir who met, Wednesday, at the Republican Palace, a delegation of the Executive Bureau of the Sudan Workers Trade Unions Federation (SWFTU) headed by Engineer, YousifAbdul Karim, affirmed the state's keenness to sponsor and consider issues concern for the government's employees to enable them better perform their jobs.

SWTUF Chairman has stressed in press statements that the meeting focused on the concerns of the trade union movement, top of which the questions related to cost of living, wages and salaries, allowances and other renumerations.

He affirmed SWTUF support to the nomination of President Al-Bashir for a new term in office .

Sudan Wins Gold in the African Combat Championship in Egypt
Sudan was crowned as a champion of the African Combat Games for Professionals which was organized in the city of Ismailia, Egypt, on Monday, the Sudan News Agency reported on Tuesday.
The victory was made by Mohamed Abdul Karim (55kg), Hatim Mohamed al-Fatih (60kg) and Al-Sir Mohamed Ahmed (65kg) who won gold medals. Karim received the African Professionals Belt in a remarkable show celebrating the greatest African accomplishment in this championship besides which he also won the silver medal for the professionals who competed over Egypt’s trophy.
The Sudan has thus qualified to the world championship which will be organised in Rome, Italy, next April.
The General Assembly of the African Union of the Combat Games Professionals that was held on the sidelines of the Championship, elected Engineer Abdul Monim Mustafa, the Secretary of the Sudan Kung fu Union, as a member in the Executive Bureau of the African and International Union and responsible for East Africa.
The Minister, State Minister and Under-Secretary of the Youth and Sports congratulated the Sudan mission on the historic victory and wished them further victories.