Sudan criticises Egypt for UN vote

Sudan has criticised Egypt for voting against the lifting of sanctions imposed on Khartoum by UN Security Council Resolution 1591, Arabi21.com reported on Friday. The resolution bans the sale of weapons to the African state.

Sudanese Foreign Minister Ibrahim Ghandour described Egypt’s position as “strange and unusual.” He also called for the government in Cairo to explain itself.

We hope that this is not affected by the current differences between Khartoum and Cairo, because this stance is different to the [usual] African, Arab and Egyptian steadfastness towards Sudan.

Arabi21.com said that the UN vote came in the run-up to a planned visit by Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shukri and a ministerial delegation to Khartoum. They intend to hold meetings of the joint ministerial committee whilst visiting their southern neighbour.

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Sudan’s Defence Minister, General Awad Ibn Auf, said this week that the Egyptian army is being “provocative” on the border. Ghandour, said Arabi21.com, refused to comment on this remark.

Tension between the two countries arose recently when pro-Egyptian regime activists demonstrated against the Sudanese president after he visited Ethiopia, which is building a massive dam on the River Nile. Following the protests, Sudan imposed entry visa requirements on all Egyptians aged between 18 and 50 years.