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US lawmaker calls on Sudan Gov't to release prisoners

KHARTOUM, March 17 (KUNA) -- US Congressman Gus Bilirakis called on the Sudanese government to release all political prisoners arrested in connection with the country's protests and to create a political climate to tackle the current crisis.
In a press statement, Bilirakis made the remarks at the end of his visit to Sudan, which began on Saturday heading a US parliamentary delegation.
Bilirakis added that during his meetings in Khartoum, he raised the issues of detainees, including a US citizen, saying "I called for his release and the release of all political prisoners held." The US lawmaker noted that all the Sudanese parties realize that the best way for their country is a transition process that is negotiated between the people, and the opposition parties, stressing the government should reflects the wishes of the people and protects human rights.
For his part, Speaker of the Sudanese Parliament Ibrahim Omar said that he discussed with the US lawmakers the issue of lifting the name of his country from Washington list of countries sponsoring terrorism.
Omar said in a press statement that he had conveyed to the US delegation that the protests in the country started with legitimate demands, but that there were those who "changed course". (end) mam.mb