Eritrea interested in reconciliation with Sudan – UN envoy

KHARTOUM, July 16, 2005 (Sudan Tribune) — The special envoy of the UN secretary-general, Jan Pronk informed Sudanese government that Eritrea seems likely interested in reconciliation with Khartoum.

The ruling National Congress deputy chairman of the for political and organizational affairs Nafi Ali Nafi said after a meeting with Pronk yesterday.

The UN representative said he told the Eritrean government that the UN was worried over the violence and security situation in eastern Sudan.

Jan Pronk also hoped that the government of national unity would work towards improving relations with Eritrea as well as supporting peace and stability in the whole of Sudan.

Nafi however has explained that his government usually welcomes all reconciliation efforts with Eritrea .

Regarding peace negotiations with eastern opposition front the Sudanese minister noted that “There is nothing new on this regard”.

Jan Pronk, was in Asmara on Thursday July 14 to hold talks aimed at resolving eastern Sudan rebellion that has raised fears of a new Darfur-like conflict in the vast country. Also, he met with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and Foreign Minister Ali Seid Abdella.

Eritrea’s hosting of an Eastern Front office has poisoned already poor ties between Asmara and Khartoum which last month warned that the common border could “explode” if Eritrea continues alleged military support for the rebels.