The Secretary General of the African Parliamentary Union Angel Serati has presented a report on the activities organized by the union on regional and international level, lauding Sudan's hosting to the 34th session and the country's development in all fields. Mr. Angel said after the joining of the Republic of South Sudan, the membership of the union reached 40, adding that it will continue its efforts to include more countries to realize cooperation and stability among the member states .
He outlined that the convocation of the current session in Khartoum is considered good opportunity to assess the current situation of the union, affirming that the members of the union affirmed the necessity for implementation of its decision concerning violence against women , their participation in the parliament and speeding up of signing the Good Governance Agreement . The African Parliament official commended Sudan good hospitality to the conference .

The Ministry of Mining signed yesterday 50 agreements with number of local, Arab and foreign companies for exploring gold and other minerals in eight states at the Friendship Hall
Present in the signing ceremony were the President of the Republic, Field Marshal Omer Al-Bashir, and the Presidential Adviser, Dr. Mustafa Osman Ismail, and the Minister of Mining, Dr. Abdul-Bagi Al-Jailani, and the governors of the concerned states as well as representatives of the signing companies
Meanwhile, the General Director of the Public Geological Research Authority, Dr. Yousif Al-Samani Mohamed Ali, reviewed the mining potentialities and capabilities of Sudan that can contribute to enhancing the GDP if these reseasources are well utilized in terms of surveys, explorations, exploitations and assessment
He revealed that the production of Ariab Mining Company is 76 tons of gold so far and other Sudanese and Chinese companies had contributed directly to supporting the treasury and the local and community development in the country
He called for benefiting from the investment opportunities that are available in Sudan under the increasing international demand for precious, industrial and strategic minerals as well as the unprecedented rise in their prices. He highlightied on the challenges facing mining industry, represented in the wide prevalence of traditional mining practices, a matter which necessitates exerting efforts to regulate and control this practice
The Minister of Minerals, Dr. Abdul-Bagi Al-Jailani,, revealed that the production the conventional mining sector amounted to 70 tons of gold last year
The minister reviewed the acts and regulations organizing the mining activities in11 states in collaboration with the states , explaining that the Gold Refinery will begin production in the year 2012 with a capacity of 150 tons of gold and 30 tons of silver
The celebration was also addressed by the governor of Red Sea State, Dr. Mohamed Tahir Aila, on behalf of the states that produce gold, affirming the readiness to provide all assistance for the investment companies
Representatives of the companies which signed agreements with Sudan affirmed their real intention to explore the minerals of Sudan for the benefit of the people of Sudan

The Presidential Advisor, Prof. Ibrahim Ahmed Omer, has affirmed the State's interest in science and Islamic applications as the basis of higher education in the country.
This came when Prof. Ibrahim addressed the national workshop to develop curriculum Fiqh of Zakat in General and university education in Khartoum, calling the scientists and researchers to further in the promotion and development of Islamic sciences, including the Zakat.
On her part the Minister of Social Welfare Amira Al-Fadil called for a comprehensive survey of the poor in the country as a database to contribute on the development of plans and programs .

Deputy Chairman of Liberation and Justice Movement(LJM), Ahmed Abdul-Shafe disclosed LJM Chairman, Dr Al-Tegani Al-Saisai will arrive on coming days.
Addressing a celebration for LJM delegation at Al-Dhain Locality, Abdul-Shafe said the people of Darfur are the owners of the gains realized by the agreement
Commissioner of the Al-Dhain Locality, Sidiq Abdul-Nabi said the LJM coming affirms that the implementation of the peace accord has started and he called on other arms holders to resort to peaceful dialogue in seeking solution to the problem
He pointed to a number challenges Darfur faces in areas of service provision and development.

The Governor of North Darfur State, Osman Mohammed Yousif Kibir discussed with the new Deputy Joint Special Representative of the United Nations and African Union Mission in Darfur(UNAMID) for Political Affairs, Aïchatou Mindaoudou aspects of cooperation and coordination in the various domains between the Government of the State and UNAMID
Kibir commended efforts being made by UNAMID to realize peace and stability in Darfur and the present cooperation between his government and UNAMID
The UNAMID Deputy Joint Special Representative on her part, stressed that she would work for strengthening the cooperation between the UNAMID and government of the State