UK peace envoy to meet Sudanese officials, opposition

KHARTOUM, January 16, 2004, (Sudan Tribune) — The UK peace envoy to Sudan, Alan Goulty, will today begin intensive discussions with both the government and the opposition political forces.

The UK peace envoy to Sudan, Alan Goulty, arrived in Khartoum yesterday on a three-day visit.

The talks will focus on the situation in Darfur and the ongoing peace process between the government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement in Naivasha Suburbs, Kenya.

Sources told the Khartoum based Al-Sahafah newspaper that the envoy was expected to dedicate today’s meeting to the opposition political forces.

According to the sources, Goulty’s talks today will involve the Ummah Party and the Democratic Unionist Party , but did not reveal any plans for meetings with the rest of the opposition.

The British envoy will hold talks with government officials on 19 May. The talks will involve foreign ministers, touch on humanitarian issues and international cooperation.

The sources said that Goulty’s meeting with government leaders will discuss the situation in Darfur states, the ongoing peace talks in Naivasha and how to overcome obstacles.

The British envoy will hold a press conference at the end of his visit to the country next Tuesday 25 May. He will then head to Naivasha to meet with the negotiating bodies

The last visit of UK peace envoy to Sudan was in the second week of January 2004.