North, South Sudan commitment to peace talks key to end conflict: Ethiopia’s Zenawi

By Tesfa-Alem Tekle

June 7, 2012 (ADDIS ABABA) – Ethiopian Prime Minister, Meles Zenawi has urged both Sudan and South Sudan to commit themselves to peace talks to prevent conflict between the east African neighbours.

As concerns of a return to full military confrontation grow between North and South Sudan over their disputed shared border, Zenawi stressed the need for both parties to give priority for peace talks to de-escalate tension and avoid further armed clashes.

The Ethiopian premier made the remarks while conferring with Sudanese Defense Minister, Abdel Rahim Hussein on Tuesday in Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa.

According to government sources, the two sides have consulted on ways of resolving the tension between Sudan and South Sudan.

They have also considered the achievements of the AU High-Level Implementation Plan (AUHIP) on Sudan.

Zenawi, who is also Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) chairman, reaffirmed his country’s commitment to closely engage in peacefully resolving tensions between Sudan and South Sudan.

The two sides have also discussed bilateral and regional concerns of mutual interest.

The recent military clashes at borders between North and South Sudan have drawn fears of reigniting a conflict in the volatile region.

Neighbouring countries are concerned that a renewed conflict between the two Sudans would lead to a fresh regional instability.

Regional and international bodies have been calling on both parties for immediate cease to all hostility, urging them to exercise maximum restraint, and to peacefully address all outstanding issues peacefully in line with the agreement on non-aggression that they signed in February.

Despite a peaceful split last year, Khartoum and Juba have a number of pending issues both need to work out including differences over oil transit fees, border demarcation, and on the fate of the dispute Abyei area.

(ST)