DOHA, Qatar 

Qatar welcomed a UN-facilitated intra-Sudanese political process in Sudan on Saturday.
The Foreign Ministry said in a statement that consultations would pave the way for reaching a consensual formula that would represent all spectrums of the Sudanese people and achieve their aspirations for freedom, peace and justice.

The statement reiterated Qatar's full support for the unity, sovereignty and stability of Sudan.

The UN mission in Sudan launched the process Saturday to salvage the country’s transition to democracy.

The move came one day after UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres spoke with Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and stressed the need to form a civilian government.

Sudan has been in turmoil since Oct. 25 when the military dismissed Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok's transitional government and declared a state of emergency.

Prior to the military takeover, Sudan was governed by a sovereign council of military and civilian officials tasked with overseeing the transition period until elections in 2023.

Hamdok resigned Jan. 2, six weeks after he returned to his post in a deal with al-Burhan, an agreement rejected by most political groups in Sudan.

*Writing by Gozde Bayar