国际英语新闻:Sudan's official stresses calmness of security situations amid nationwide protests

KHARTOUM, Jan. 2 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's Interior Ministry on Wednesday reiterated calmness of the security situations across the country, official SUNA news agency reported.

"The law guarantees the right to peacefully demonstrate upon approval of concerned authorities, without causing sedition, chaos, or instability to the country," Musa Mohamed Ali Madibo, state minister at Sudan's Interior Ministry, was quoted as saying.

He urged the citizens to help stop those who target the country's security and stability.

Madibo noted that specialized committees have been formed since the eruption of protests across the country, pointing out that the committees have started assessing the casualties and the damage to public and private properties.

Since Dec. 19 last year, various areas in Sudan, including the capital Khartoum, have been witnessing popular protests over deteriorating economic conditions and price hikes of basic commodities.

According to government statistics, 19 people have been killed during the protests.