| Egypt staked a claim to a role in Sudanese peace talks on Sunday and said its aim was to see the north and south of Sudan stay together in "voluntary union". Egypt has played a relatively minor role in the peace talks, which have taken place in Kenya under the auspices of an African regional organisation and with help from the United States. But Sherif said: "Egypt has never been isolated from the peace process in Sudan. Anyone who imagines that is wrong. Egypt’s efforts have been intense... Egypt’s aim has been to achieve peace and stability and stop the bloodshed while preserving a goal which is loftier, broader and more far-reaching -- that the agreement should lead to a voluntary union between all the parties," he added. The two presidents also instructed their subordinates to prepare agreements for integration between Egypt and Sudan. Some of the agreements would give Egyptians and Sudanese the right to visit, live, work and own property in the other country, the minister said. Bashir and Mubarak want the officials to have the documents ready for review by February 15, he added. |