Arab officials hailed on Saturday Sudanese parties for their signing of a historic deal that paves the way for a transition to a civilian-led government following the overthrow of President Omar al-Bashir in April. Bahrain’s Foreign Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed bin Mohammed al-Khalifa praised to Asharq Al-Awsat the “great and major achievement.” Kuwaiti deputy Prime Minister Anas al-Saleh said the deal was a “real platform” for Sudan’s launch towards grander horizons. Organization for Islamic Cooperation Secretary General Dr. Yousef bin Ahmed al-Othaimeen stressed that the deal represented a solution for Sudan to end its past crises and way forward to shaping its future. Undersecretary of the Omani Foreign Ministry Khalifa al-Harthy hoped peace and unity would prevail throughout Sudan “in order for the people to build a better future.” Aide to the Arab League chief Khalil Ibrahim al-Zawadi told Asharq Al-Awsat that the Sudanese people “were capable of overcoming the challenges, building their country and bolstering its security and stability.” Opposition figure Sadiq al-Mahdi hailed the landmark agreement, saying it was a celebration of democracy and peace. “Many obstacles lie ahead, but the determination of the people and youth will overcome them,” he stressed. Member of the military council Saleh Abdul Khaliq described the signing of the deal as a historic day, expressing his optimism with the partnership with the Forces of Freedom and Change. The deal was signed between the ruling Transitional Military Council and the Forces of Freedom and Change. The agreement establishes an 11-member joint military and civilian council to rule for a little over three years until elections can be held. It will also establish a Cabinet appointed by the activists and dominated by civilians, and a legislative body. The interior and defense ministers are to be chosen by military members of the council. The composition of the civilian-majority transition ruling council is to be announced on Sunday.