Sudan criticizes U.S. statement over civil disobedience calls

Sudan government on Saturday criticized a statement by the U.S. State Department in which it urged Khartoum to exercise self-restraint regarding calls for civil disobedience.

Sudan's foreign ministry spokesman Ghariballah Al-Khadir denounced the U.S. statement as "lacking accuracy and objectivity," and is "completely far from the positive atmospheres being witnessed by the Sudanese arena."

"The Sudanese people are giving a unique model in the comprehensive dialogue and peaceful reformation as well as construction of a political and community system," he added.

He noted that Sudan's constitution guarantees freedom of association, publication and expression according to the laws in effect.

He reiterated the Sudanese government's keenness to security, safety and properties of the citizens, noting that the government would not tolerate any threats against the country's national security according to the law and requirements of justice.

The U.S. Department of State urged Friday the Sudanese government to exercise self-restraint towards the Sudanese people's calls for civil disobedience on Dec. 19, encouraging the Sudanese authorities to take all necessary steps to allow citizens to exercise their right to freedom of expression.

"The United States is concerned about the Sudanese government's threatening rhetoric and the crackdown on Sudanese media in response to calls by Sudanese civil society for civil disobedience," said a statement attributed to spokesman of U.S. State Department Mark Toner Friday.

A group of activists on social media sites have united to call for a civil disobedience in Sudan on Dec. 19, an act that is supported by Sudanese opposition parties and armed groups.

On Nov. 27, the Sudanese capital Khartoum witnessed a partial response to a civil disobedience campaign launched by social media activists.

The organizers attributed the move to prices hiking of major commodities, namely fuel and medicines. Endit