KHARTOUM,(Saba)- British Prime Minister Tony Blair arrived in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, early Wednesday on a short day visit during which he will meet with the Sudanese leadership to discuss ending the violence in the Darfur region and achieving comprehensive peace in the country.

Blair on his first major outing since Friday's operation for heart palpitations slept briefly on an overnight flight from London before going into talks with Bashir at his presidential palace beside the river Nile in Khartoum.

The ambassador said Blair would be able to look closely at the Sudanese government's efforts in bringing back peace to the Darfur region and in achieving comprehensive peace in the country.

TD

SABA