Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06KHARTOUM2319
2006-09-21 15:17:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Khartoum
Cable title:
NCP DIVISIONS ON US SPECIAL ENVOY NATSIOS
how-toVZCZCXRO6119 PP RUEHROV DE RUEHKH #2319 2641517 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 211517Z SEP 06 FM AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4663 INFO RUCNFUR/DARFUR COLLECTIVE PRIORITY RHMFISS/CJTF HOA PRIORITY
C O N F I D E N T I A L KHARTOUM 002319
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/20/2016
TAGS: PGOV PREL KPAO SU UN
SUBJECT: NCP DIVISIONS ON US SPECIAL ENVOY NATSIOS
Classified By: P/E CHIEF E. WHITAKER, REASON: SECTIONS 1.4 (B) AND (D)
C O N F I D E N T I A L KHARTOUM 002319
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/20/2016
TAGS: PGOV PREL KPAO SU UN
SUBJECT: NCP DIVISIONS ON US SPECIAL ENVOY NATSIOS
Classified By: P/E CHIEF E. WHITAKER, REASON: SECTIONS 1.4 (B) AND (D)
1. (C) The disparate comments by Presidential Advisor Magzoub
Al Khalifa and MFA Spokesman Jamal Mohamed Ibrahim in the
September 20 edition of the independent daily "Al Adwa"
illustrate the divisions within the National Congress Party
(NCP) on the appointment of Andrew Natsios as Special Envoy
to Sudan. Responding to a question from a reporter on
September 19, Al Khalifa said that the Sudanese government
would engage in a dialogue with any "power" in an attempt to
increase stability and to promote a peaceful solution to the
Darfur conflict. He asserted, however, that Natsios'
appointment would not alter the Sudanese government's
rejection of UN intervention in Darfur.
2. (C) Ibrahim's remarks in "Al Adwa" were more vitriolic.
He called the appointment a "flagrant interference" in the
internal affairs of Sudan and criticized the USG for setting
a double-standard by demonizing Sudan while simultaneously
asking for dialogue. "America deems Sudan as uncooperative
and considers it among the countries that violate religious
rights," said Ibrahim, "and at the same time demands that
Sudan accept a special American envoy on Darfur issues."
(Note: The reference to religious rights reflects ongoing
Sudanese government criticism of the recent International
Religious Freedom Report. End note.)
3. (C) Comment: Though both men are associated with
hard-line elements of the NCP, Al Khalifa's political
standing within the Sudanese government is stronger than
Ibrahim's. As such, Ibrahim would not have outflanked him
without high-level support, most likely from State Minister
of Foreign Affairs Ali Karti. President Bashir's only public
comment on the issue was that Khartoum would "study" the
appointment; this came after the "Al Adwa" article's
publication. The upper echelons of the NCP leadership have
yet to coalesce around a party line, and Bashir will no doubt
build support for a common position on the appointment when
he returns to Khartoum on September 21. End comment.
HUME
SIPDIS
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/20/2016
TAGS: PGOV PREL KPAO SU UN
SUBJECT: NCP DIVISIONS ON US SPECIAL ENVOY NATSIOS
Classified By: P/E CHIEF E. WHITAKER, REASON: SECTIONS 1.4 (B) AND (D)
1. (C) The disparate comments by Presidential Advisor Magzoub
Al Khalifa and MFA Spokesman Jamal Mohamed Ibrahim in the
September 20 edition of the independent daily "Al Adwa"
illustrate the divisions within the National Congress Party
(NCP) on the appointment of Andrew Natsios as Special Envoy
to Sudan. Responding to a question from a reporter on
September 19, Al Khalifa said that the Sudanese government
would engage in a dialogue with any "power" in an attempt to
increase stability and to promote a peaceful solution to the
Darfur conflict. He asserted, however, that Natsios'
appointment would not alter the Sudanese government's
rejection of UN intervention in Darfur.
2. (C) Ibrahim's remarks in "Al Adwa" were more vitriolic.
He called the appointment a "flagrant interference" in the
internal affairs of Sudan and criticized the USG for setting
a double-standard by demonizing Sudan while simultaneously
asking for dialogue. "America deems Sudan as uncooperative
and considers it among the countries that violate religious
rights," said Ibrahim, "and at the same time demands that
Sudan accept a special American envoy on Darfur issues."
(Note: The reference to religious rights reflects ongoing
Sudanese government criticism of the recent International
Religious Freedom Report. End note.)
3. (C) Comment: Though both men are associated with
hard-line elements of the NCP, Al Khalifa's political
standing within the Sudanese government is stronger than
Ibrahim's. As such, Ibrahim would not have outflanked him
without high-level support, most likely from State Minister
of Foreign Affairs Ali Karti. President Bashir's only public
comment on the issue was that Khartoum would "study" the
appointment; this came after the "Al Adwa" article's
publication. The upper echelons of the NCP leadership have
yet to coalesce around a party line, and Bashir will no doubt
build support for a common position on the appointment when
he returns to Khartoum on September 21. End comment.
HUME