Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has appeared on state TV to declare a state of emergency, beginning on Monday. He said the measure was designed to safeguard the country's unity and security. Here is an extract of his statement

"In implementation of the legitimate pledge of allegiance, which forces me to endeavour to protect the nation from fear and famine and achieve unity, peace and tranquillity for all the citizens, I have decided to announce a state of emergency in the country as from tomorrow, Monday 5th of great Ramadan 1420 AH.

"The orders regulating it will be issued successively. Brother citizens, I promise you that this measure will be a strong push with which we shall consolidate the safety, security and stability of the country."

Following Mr al-Bashir's statement a presenter read out three presidential decrees.

Dissolving parliament

The president of the republic has issued the following decisions:

In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate.

Presidential decree on the expiry of the duration of the National Assembly for fulfilling its term;

The president of the republic, after taking cognizance of Article 43, Article 139d and Article 72 of the Sudanese Constitution of 1998, it has been decided:

Announcing the end of the National Assembly term of duration as from Monday 5th Ramadan 1420 AH (13 December 1999).

Inviting voters to elect the new National Assembly at a time to be specified by the general elections authority.

Issued bearing my signature on 4th Ramadan 1420 AH.

President of the Republic Staff Lt-Gen Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir.

State of emergency

In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate

Presidential decree announcing the state of emergency;

The president of the republic, after taking cognizance of Article 43 and Article 131 of the constitution; in exercising his constitutional duties in preserving the security of the country in the face of external threats, which target its unity and resources; safeguarding the internal front and its unity and in consolidation of security and stability, it has been decided:

Announcing the state of emergency throughout the country as from Monday 4th of the great month of Ramadan 1420 AH.

This announcement is effective for three months.

Issued bearing my signature on 4th Ramadan 1420 AH.

President of the Republic Staff Lt-Gen Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir.

Regional Governors

In the Name of God, the Merciful, the Compassionate;

An emergency order;

The president of the republic,

On the basis of Presidential Decree on the announcement of the state of emergency in the year 1999, and in accordance with provisions of Article 131b and 131j of the constitution, it has been decided to:

1. Suspend Articles 56, 57, 59, 62 and 63 of the Constitution.

2. All governors are to continue performing their duties.

3. Provincial councils are to continue to perform their duties.

4. The president of the republic is entitled to dismiss a governor from his post and appoint an acting governor until the end of the state of emergency.

Issued bearing my signature on 4th Ramadan 1420 AH.

President of the Republic Staff Lt-Gen Omar Hassan Ahmad al-Bashir.