Sudan welcomes John Kerry's nomination

Sudan has welcomed United States President Barack Obama's decision to nominate Senator John Kerry for the role of Secretary of State. In a letter to the Senator, Ali Ahmed Karti, Minister of Foreign Affairs, extended his congratulations and affirmed Sudan's readiness to continue working with the US, with full cooperation on matters of mutual concern. The Minister also expressed his sincere desire and hope for a constructive dialogue between the two countries that leads to a normal relationship and fosters peace and security in the world at large. Speaking in Khartoum on Sunday, Joseph Stafford, US Charge D'Affaires to Khartoum confirmed that the challenges surrounding the relations between his country and Sudan can be overcome through mutual dialogue. Stafford revealed that the ultimate objective of President Obama's policies towards Sudan is strengthening and promoting peace inside Sudan  and with its neighbours, South Sudan. He added that his country welcomed the recent cooperation agreement between Sudan and the Southern state, and called for both parties to work on turning this agreement into a fact on earth. Stafford said that his country does not want to overthrow the regime in Khartoum, and it is far from interfering in the internal affairs of Sudan. He concluded by stressing his country's interest in the peace process in Darfur, by involving the armed forces in the peace process and dialogue.