WASHINGTON — The United States on Tuesday condemned political violence and arrests in Sudan in the wake of unrest in the troubled African country, and urged Khartoum to "allow freedom of expression and peaceful demonstrations."
"I am deeply concerned about these developments and urge all parties to exercise restraint," said US special envoy to the country Scott Gration.
"Negotiations on issues of urgent importance to all of the Sudanese people cannot proceed in an atmosphere of intimidation," he said.
Sudanese police detained three senior opposition figures and dozens of demonstrators from the south's ruling party on Monday as part of a wide crackdown against a planned protest.
Southern protesters responded by torching offices of Sudan's ruling National Congress Party (NCP).
Washington "calls on all parties to create an atmosphere conducive to credible elections," said State Department spokesman Ian Kelly.
"We condemn all acts of violence in Sudan and call for restraint and dialogue among all parties."
The former southern rebels, the People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), and President Omar al-Beshir's NCP have failed to agree on democratic reforms ahead of next April's elections and on a procedural law for the south's referendum scheduled for January 2011.
Next year's elections are a critical component of the fragile peace agreement, and "all parties must work to effect serious reforms" beforehand, Kelly said in a statement.
"Freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, and protection from against arbitrary arrest and detention are fundamental human rights that must be respected," he added.
Source:http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gIBjlZHzcRJJuAJte2s9qrnPj4Pw
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