UAE, Saudi back Sudan's army council

Dubai - UAE hoped all political, factional and military leaders in Sudan will work for ensuring a peaceful transfer of power.

The UAE and Saudi Arabia have voiced support for Sudan's transitional military council after mass protests forced longtime president Omar Al Bashir from power.
In a statement, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation described the development as a "step forward reflecting the ambitions of the brotherly people of Sudan towards security, stability and development".
"The UAE reaffirms its support for the steps taken by Sudan's transitional military council to protect people and property, wishing these steps would ensure security and stability for the sisterly country."
The UAE hoped all political, factional and military leaders in Sudan will work for ensuring a peaceful transfer of power.
The UAE President, His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, directed to communicate with Sudan's transitional military council to explore the prospects of accelerating aid for the brotherly people of Sudan.
Saudi Arabia said it "stands by the Sudanese people" and calls on all Sudanese "to give priority to the national interest" of their country.
The Custodian of the Two Holy Mosques, King Salman bin Abdulaziz of Saudi Arabia, ordered an unspecified package of aid for Sudan that includes petroleum products, wheat and medicine.
Meanwhile, the organisers of the protests in Sudan are holding a second day of talks on Sunday with the ruling military council, after calling on the military to "immediately and unconditionally" hand power to a transitional civilian government that would rule for four years.
Omer Al Digair, leader of the Sudanese Congress Party, told the protesters outside the military HQ in Khartoum after Saturday's meeting that the atmosphere had been "positive".

• MENA