The US envoy to Sudan, Donald Booth, expressed America's support for the Sudanese protest movement and called for the formation of a civilian-led government amid negotiations between the Transitional Military Council and the forces of freedom and change.
The US embassy in Khartoum issued a statement late on Friday after the envoy, Donald Booth, concluded a four-day visit to Sudan.
The US embassy in Khartoum also said Booth urged the military not to attack protesters and "allow an independent investigation" to break up the sit-in that left more than 100 dead earlier this month.
The Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Ahmed Abul-Gheit, discussed yesterday with Ambassador Donald Booth the overall developments in the political scene in the Sudan, in light of the Arab, regional and international efforts to support the Sudanese brothers in order to reach a broad national consensus that brings the country out of its current crisis.
The Spokesman for the Secretary-General of the League, Mahmoud Afifi, said that Abul-Gheit briefed the American envoy on the results of his visit to Khartoum on June 16, during which he met with the President of the Transitional Military Council and the leaders of political and civil forces and movements to encourage the Sudanese parties to resume. Dialogue and return to the negotiating table, so as to ensure agreement on the arrangements required to complete the process of peaceful transition of power, which Aboul Gheit stressed that it must take place in a purely national context, respect the independence and sovereignty of Sudan, and meet the aspirations of all the spectrums of his people.
The US envoy, who concluded his second visit to Khartoum, expressed his administration's keenness to consult with the Arab League and to learn about the Secretary General's vision regarding the current situation in Sudan, based on the common interest they share in supporting Sudan and its people. This delicate stage, and the interest of the American side that there is coordination between the various efforts of interested countries and organizations to support the Sudanese, in order to reach a national and consensual solution to complete the peaceful transition of power in the country.
This comes at a time when the Sudanese police, yesterday, tear gas to disperse a student demonstration against the ruling military junta near the presidential palace in Khartoum.
Witnesses reported that some 300 students had left a central bank institution in Khartoum and organized a spontaneous demonstration shouting "Peace, Peace and Justice".
A witness told Agence France-Presse that "many (demonstrators) raised banners calling for civilian rule during their demonstration not far from the presidential palace."
He explained that riot police arrived quickly, and fired tear gas at demonstrators.
The Alliance for Freedom and Change called for mass demonstrations in Khartoum and across the country on June 30 against the ruling junta.
It was the first call to demonstrate in all parts of the country since the crackdown on protesters in front of the army headquarters in Khartoum on June 3.