France condemns Sudan's handling of Khartoum demonstrations

France on Tuesday condemned what it described as the "disproportionate manner" in which Sudanese authorities have reacted in their handling of anti-government demonstrations in the capital, Khartoum. Official reports put the number of dead during clashes between authorities and the protesters at 33, with hundreds reported to have been arrested. The French Foreign Ministry condemned what it said was "aribtrary arrests and censorship of media", notably in Khartoum. "The right to demonstraate is fundamental," a statement said here, noting that the demontrations these past days were "ongoing popular protests." Paris also called on the Sudanese authorities to "start a dialogue with all Sudanese political forces in order to find again the road to democracy and therefore stability."