20110203
Xinhua
KHARTOUM, Feb. 2 (Xinhua) -- The Sudanese government Wednesday voiced optimism over great and positive breakthrough in the relations between Khartoum and Washington, which would enable the United States to play a key role in solving Sudan's current political issues.



U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James B. Steinberg Wednesday held a series of talks with senior Sudanese officials over bilateral issues, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) files and the Darfur crisis.

Assistant to the Sudanese President Nafie Ali Nafie regarded the visit of the U.S. official to Khartoum as a clear sign for development and continuation of bilateral relations.

"The U.S. official has affirmed readiness of the United States to open a new page in its relations with Sudan and to contribute to outstanding peace issues with the south and the Darfur issue," Nafie told reporters after talking with the U.S official.

Sudanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Karti, for his part, regarded Steinberg's visit as "the beginning of official communication between the two countries."

Speaking to reporters following his meeting with Steinberg Wednesday, Karty said "we have discussed with the senior U.S. official many issues, including the remaining items in the comprehensive peace agreement and the importance for speeding up development of conditions in Darfur through achieving peace and stability in the region."

Steinberg for his part expressed his country's deep appreciation of the great success by the Sudanese government in the implementation of the CPA and the conduction of the south Sudan referendum.

He reiterated his country's keenness to improve ties with Sudan, pointing out that talks in Khartoum focused on completion of the implementation of the CPA, the Abyei and border issues and the Darfur conflict.

Furthermore, Steinberg said the U.S. President Barack Obama and the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton believed that this was a good opportunity for carrying on with improving the relations between the two countries and to work together to overcome difficulties facing bilateral ties.

James Steinberg arrived in Khartoum on Wednesday accompanied by the U.S. Special Envoy to Sudan Scott Gration in an official visit to hold talks with a number of Sudanese government officials.

While in Khartoum, Steinberg is expected to discuss with the Sudanese officials bilateral relations, the U.S. sanctions on Sudan and removing Sudan from the U.S. list of countries sponsoring terrorism.