(File photo)Arrested politicians and journalists shout inside the National Prison before their release after demonstrations in Khartoum, Sudan February 18, 2018. (Reuters photo)

KHARTOUM, April 10 (Xinhua) -- Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir on Tuesday issued a decree to release all political detainees held in the country in response to appeals from political parties, official SUNA news agency reported.

The release of political detainees will enhance the spirit of national consensus, the report said.

It added that the move opens the door for participation of the political forces in consultations on national issues and for preparing the country's permanent constitution.

The State Minister for Presidency and Director of the President's offices, Hatim Hassan Bakhit, said the concerned authorities have put the president's decision to release the political detainees under immediate implementation.

The parties participating in the national dialogue in Sudan on Sunday appealed to Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir to release political detainees.

The Sudanese authorities have detained a great number of opposition leaders since last January, including the Political Secretary of the Communist Party and other party leaders over their call for protests against rise in prices of basic commodities following approval of the country's 2018 general budget.