Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir gestures during a joint press conference with Italian Premier Romano Prodi, not pictured, at the end of their meeting at Chigi Palace, in Rome, Sept. 14, 2007. Sudan was ready to open Darfur peace talks next month with a cease-fire, Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir said Friday during a high-profile visit to Italy that included talks with Pope Benedict XVI. (AP Photo/Gregorio Borgia)
