Hamas in Sudan for Pan-Arab Support

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 000382

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL PGOV KISL PINR WE SU
SUBJECT: Hamas in Sudan for Pan-Arab Support


1. (U) Hamas political leader Khaled Meshaal was in
Khartoum February 12-14 for high-level meetings as part
of his tour to solidify Pan-Arab support. According to
local pmedia, Meshaal also confirmed his attendance the
Arab League Summit to be held in Khartoum at the end of
March. Sudan is a longtime supporter of the Palestinian
movement in general and Hamas in particular. Meshaal
held separate meetings with First Vice President Salva
Kiir, Vice President Ali Osman Taha, and State (Deputy)
Minister of Foreign Affairs Ali Al-Karti. Meshaal then
held meetings with Islamic party leaders, including
Professor Abd Al-Rahem Ali, Shura Council Chairman of the
ruling National Congress Party (NCO),and leaders from
Sadiq Al-Madi's Umma Party and Hassan Al-Turabi's Popular
Congress Party (PCP). Meshaal finished his visit by
having discussions with civic organizations, most notably
the Organization for Defense of Faith and Nation.


2. Local press accounts state that the Hamas leader
consistently delivered a message of thanks to the
government and people of Sudan for the continuing support
in the battle to end the "Zionist occupation," and asked
Sudan to assist in Hamas' formation of a national
coalition government. Meshaal called on the
international community to support the will of the
Palestinian people, and said that Hamas would respond to
the challenge of governing within a coalition. In
separate meetings, he said that Israel should recognize
Hamas, but reiterated that Hamas would not recognize
Israel. Meshaal also emphasized the importance of his
upcoming trip to Russia to break the United States'
aggressive stand against the party.

HUME