Saudi FM urges Sudan's warring parties to stop military escalation

RIYADH, July 30 (Xinhua) -- Saudi Foreign Minister Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud has urged warring parties in Sudan to stop "all forms of military escalation" and find a political solution that would guarantee Sudan's return to security and stability.

In a phone call that Faisal received from General Commander of the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan on Saturday, the Saudi top diplomat urged the warring parties in Sudan to "restore calm" and prioritize their national interest, the Saudi Press Agency reported on Sunday.

The Saudi minister also underlined the importance for the Sudanese parties to fulfill their commitment to ensuring smooth humanitarian work and the safety of both civilians and aid workers.

On April 15, an armed conflict erupted between the SAF and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), leading to a humanitarian crisis in Sudan.

Since May 6, Saudi Arabia and the United States have been patronizing negotiations between the Sudanese warring parties in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah. Several truces have been reached and breached since then, with the two sides accusing each other of violating them.

On July 27, the SAF announced a cessation of indirect talks with the RSF in Jeddah over differences on some issues.