Sudan: President Announces Release of All Political Prisoners

UN Photo/Marco Castro
Omar Hassan Al-Bashir, President of the Republic of the Sudan, addresses the general debate of the sixty-first session of the General Assembly, at UN Headquarters in New York.
1 April 2013
allAfrica.com

Cape Town — Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has said that he will release all political detainees in the country, AFP reported on Monday.

The move comes after recent agreements were signed with South Sudan.

"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.

Bashir also announced a national dialogue "with all political and social powers without excluding anyone, including those who are armed".

According to AFP, his statement elaborated on an offer made by Vice President Ali Osman Taha, which was rejected by opposition parties and the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N).

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