Delays threaten south Sudan peace-diplomat

March 13, 2007 (NAIROBI) — The peace in South Sudan is under threat from “worrying delays” in implementing security measures and the ongoing crisis in Darfur, a leading diplomat told a south Sudan investment meeting on Tuesday.

Kent Degerfelt, head of the European Commission delegation to Khartoum, highlighted sluggish progress on key issues which “threatens the security of southern Sudan”.

“There are still worrying delays … significantly including the establishment of (north/south) Joint Integrated Units, disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, de-mining and the alignment of some of the so-called Other Armed Groups,” he said.

Insecurity in Sudan’s oil-rich south, with regular attacks by gunmen on roads hindering aid operations and deterring investors, has continued since a peace deal was signed in 2005.

And the ongoing Darfur conflict continues to be a destabilising factor, he told the meeting in neighbouring Kenya.

“The government needs to strengthen its relations with the African Union with a view to attain an all-inclusive peaceful settlement to the crisis,” he said.

(Reuters)