Arab League chief seeks to grant S. Sudan "special observer status"

KHARTOUM, July 14 (KUNA) -- The Arab League will work to reach a consensus on granting South Sudan special observer status, a position that entitles the fledgling nation to express its opinion but denies it voting rights.
The Arab League's Secretary General Ahmed Abu al-Gheit made those remarks to the press on Wednesday after a meeting with Sudanese President Omar Al-Bashir in the Sudanese capital, his first visit as Arab League chief to the impoverished African nation.
Moreover, he noted that the situation in Sudan would take precedence in the upcoming Arab summit, noting that the Arab League would stand by the country at all times.
Meanwhile, Sudanese Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Obaidallah Mohammad said that his country would cooperate with the Arab League, which would in turn, bolster bilateral ties.
He also added that the meeting tackled issues that run the gamut from the conflict in Darfur to Arab food security. (end) hha.nam