Ethiopia says “it did not approve controversial Sudanese peace document”

Al-Sahafah daily newspaper

August 16, 2003

KHARTOUM — Al-Sahafah newspaper has learnt that Ethiopia has informed the Sudanese government and the IGAD secretariat that it did not approve the Nakuru peace document in form it was presented.

The sources informed Al-Sahafah that the Ethiopian government conveyed this stand to its ambassador in Nairobi, as well as its representative at the peace talks, and asked them to convey this message to the Kenyan peace envoy, Gen Lazarus Sumbeiywo.

The Sudanese ambassador in Addis Ababa, Uthman al-Sayyid, said the Ethiopian position has been clear, since a meeting between the Ethiopian prime minister, Meles Zenawi, and the peace advisor to President Umar Al-Bashir, Dr Ghazi Salah-al-Din, three weeks ago.

He said the Ethiopian stand was based on its conviction that the transition period was supposed to enhance unity, and not division. Ethiopia also views President Al-Bashir as one of major sureties for the realization of crucial peace and “it was irrational to approve a document which could paralyse the presidency”.