A leading Islamic figure in Sudan, Hassan al-Turabi, has confirmed that he intends to resign as Speaker of Parliament.

Mr al-Turabi heads the National Congress, an organisation which he wants to register as the country's first legal party under new multi-party legislation.

It was under his guidance that Sudan's military ruler, Omar al-Bashir, banned parties and installed Islamist rule in a coup nine years ago.

Exiled opposition leaders have dismissed invitations to resurrect their dissolved parties.

They have joined southern rebels fighting a civil war, and say they don't recognise the government which passed the law.