Sudan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has informed the Ambassador of the Delegation of the European Union in Khartoum of its rejection of the manner in which a meeting was arranged between Sudanese journalists and a European and American delegation.

The Ministry, on Wednesday 3 October, summoned the Delegation Ambassador in Khartoum Mr. Jean-Michel Dumond, who announced in a press release the content of the meeting with the journalists.  

A statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs explained the invitation for the meeting was selective, and inconsistent with what was mentioned in the EU Delegation’s press release to the effect that the meeting was held with all journalists. The Ministry’s statement highlighted keenness on the continuity of dialogue between Sudan and the EU in order to achieve the desired results based on an agreed institutional framework.

The EU Delegation and the US Embassy in Sudan, following the meeting with the journalists, pledged to engage in constructive dialogue with the Sudanese government to promote freedom of press, and expressed concern over restriction of freedoms and harassment of journalists.

Sudan ranks 174 out of 180 countries in terms of freedom of press, according to “Reporters without Borders”.

It is to be noted that Sudan is a member of the United Nations, and thus obligated by the provision of Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights which states: everyone has the right to freedom of opinion and expression without interference; this right includes the right to seek, receive and impart information through any media whether verbal or through publication or in any other form.

Source; Raialyoum