Sudan – US talks to begin 9 November

Nov 7, 2005 (KHARTOUM) — The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Lam Akol, and the US Deputy Secretary of State, Robert Zoellick, are to co-chair the Sudanese-American talks which are due to begin on Wednesday 9 November in Khartoum.

According to the official SUNA, the talks of the two sides will touch on all the files and issues of concern to the two countries, including implementation of the comprehensive peace agreement, Darfur, the bilateral relations as well as the lifting of the American sanctions against Sudan.

The American delegation will meet the President Omar al-Beshir and Second Vice-President Ali Osman Taha.

Zoellick will also meet with top officials of the AU peacekeeping force.

The visit of the US Deputy Secretary of State is the fourth in the current year.

The number two US State Department official will start his trip in Kenya, where he will urge SLM rebel leaders to develop a unified position before the next peace talks with the Khartoum government in Abuja this month.

(ST)