WASHINGTON— Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, which enjoy close ties with Sudan’s military, joined the United States and Britain in urging the restoration of the civilian government.

“We call for the full and immediate restoration of its civilian-led transitional government and institutions,” said a joint statement released by the US State Department.

“We encourage the release of all those detained in connection with recent events and the lifting of the state of emergency,” the statement said.

“Violence has no place in the new Sudan, on this point we encourage an effective dialogue between all parties, and we urge all to ensure that the peace and security for the people of Sudan is a top priority.”

The United States has led condemnation of the military’s takeover of power last week that interrupted a fragile transition to democracy in which power was shared with a civilian government.

US officials said that the United Arab Emirates holds particular influence in Sudan and helped persuade top General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan to release Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok.

Notably absent from the joint statement is neighboring Egypt, whose position has been the focus of anger for some of the protesters who have taken to the streets.

Source: NAM NEWS NETWORK