EU calls for transfer of power to civilians in Sudan

By Gozde Bayar

ANKARA (AA) - The European Union will not recognize the legitimacy of the Transitional Military Council (TMC) in Sudan, the EU foreign policy chief said on Tuesday.

“As long as the transition is not managed by civilians, the European Union will not recognize the legitimacy of the Transitional Military Council,” Federica Mogherini said at the plenary session of the European Parliament on the situation in Sudan, according to a statement.

Mogherini said the military establishment in Sudan has taken some “goodwill” steps -- including changing the head of the Transitional Military Council, resignation of the head of the National and Security Services and release of some political detainees.

“These steps have signaled that there may be the space for a negotiation,” she added.

The EU foreign policy chief also supported the African Union’s call for handover of the power to a civilian-led transitional authority in the next 15 days.

Last week, the Sudanese army ousted President Omar al-Bashir after months of protests against his 30-year rule. The TMC was established shortly afterward to run the nation’s affairs for a two-year transitional period.