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Sudan in Bid to Rectify ‘Damaged Image’ of Darfur
By Riyasbabu
Khaleej Times
June 7, 2007Khartoum has launched a public relations exercise to counter Washington's move for fresh UN Security Council sanctions against Sudan. More than 200,000 people have been killed and 2.5 million forced from their homes in Darfur during four years of fighting between Sudanese forces and rebels.
In its attempt to rectify the 'damaged image' over the Darfur conflict, Sudanese government has invited journalists especially from China, the subcontinent and supporting Arab states. The journalists have been invited to cover the proceedings of Conference of Intelligence and Security Services in Africa (CISSA) in Khartoum, which was inaugurated by Sudanese President Omer Al Basher yesterday. Journalists were taken to Darfur and Juba yesterday along with delegates from US and European security agencies.
Accusing the Western media of damaging its image, Sudan claims that the reports of mass killings and ill-treatment of refugees were mere exaggeration."Our aim is to tell the truth. Western media are spreading biased information by exaggerating the situation. They want to destabilise our country to safeguard their interests in the region," an Information Ministry official said.
However, a French journalist who visited Darfur in 2005 said, "I am not optimistic that the government will show the areas affected in the ongoing conflict. Earlier, the Sudanese security officials were reluctant to give travel permit to Juba and Darfur. At least now they are willing to taking us there."
Meanwhile, Sudanese Foreign Minister Dr Lam Akol announced a package of measures to counter the US sanctions declaring that the country would resist any American move for fresh sanctions. Addressing the National Assembly, Dr Lam said the US administration is targeting Sudan by increasing pressure and launching misinformation campaigns.
The Sudan government will counter these attempts, Dr Lam said, through diplomacy and support from friendly and peace-loving countries. Dr Lam disclosed that Sudan is currently seeking to procure a resolution from UN Security Council for the hybrid operation. The sanctions, he said, are an attempt to isolate Sudan by stalling the peace process and destabilising Sudan's booming economy. However, experts felt that the US sanctions would not affect Sudan's booming oil-driven economy as sanctions avoid targeting key Chinese interests which are concentrated in the oil industry. "Sudan's economic boom is propelled by the oil income. As far as the US exempted oil companies from the sanctions, it hardly could create any adverse affect," said an expert.
More Information on the Security Council
More Information on Sudan
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