Sudan says Kenya talks a basis for “lasting peace”

KHARTOUM, Sept 27 (Reuters) – Sudan’s top envoy in talks to end a 20-year-old civil war said on Saturday the latest round of breakthrough negotiations formed the basis for “lasting peace” in Africa’s largest country.

Talks in Kenya to end the war that has killed almost two million people adjourned on Friday after clinching a key security deal, a major obstacle to a peace agreement between Sudan’s Islamist government and the main southern rebel group, the Sudan People’s Liberation Army/Movement (SPLA/M).

“We are building a house with a firm foundation. We have laid the foundation for a lasting peace,” Sudan’s First Vice President Ali Osman Mohamed Taha told thousands of cheering northern and southern Sudanese on his arrival in Khartoum.

Taha, who headed the government delegation in talks with SPLA/M leader John Garang, was repeatedly interrupted by the crowds chanting: “Welcome, welcome man of peace! Welcome, welcome hero of peace!”

Peace talks are due to resume on a committee level on October 6, Kenyan chief mediator Lazaro Sumbeiywo said. Issues that remain to be resolved are power and wealth sharing and the status of Khartoum and the three marginalised areas of Abyei, Nuba Mountains and Southern Blue Nile, claimed by both sides.

SPLA/M leader Garang said last week two months were enough to reach a peace settlement.