Southern Sudan envoy, Ethiopian FM hold on peace deal

Nov 8, 2005 (ADDIS ABABA) — The comprehensive peace agreement signed between the government of Sudan and the Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement (SPLM) is being implemented efficiently, southern Sudanese minister for cabinet affairs said.

After conferring with Ethiopian Minister of Foreign Affairs Seyoum Mesfin, Justin Yaac Arop told journalists that despite some minor obstacles, the Sudan peace deal is being implemented properly.

The minister said both signatories of the comprehensive peace agreement are working in cooperation for its realization.

Arop said ensuring sustainable peace in Sudan is of paramount importance not only for Sudan but for the people of Ethiopia and other countries in the region.

The minister said he had briefed Ethiopian minister of foreign affairs about progress in the implementation of the peace agreement and efforts being exerted for the reconstruction of southern Sudan.

He also indicated that he exchanged views with Ethiopian foreign minister on the Ethiopia-Sudan bilateral relations and other issues of common interest.

Discussions were also held on the role the Ethiopian government and people could play in the implementation of the peace agreement as well as the reconstruction of the country.

Arop said the object of his visit to Ethiopia was briefing the overall activities being carried out in the Sudan.

Arop was in Asamara last week for talks with the Eritrean government on the implemetation of 9 January peace deal.

Peace talks between the Sudanese government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) were driven by the regional Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD).

Eritrean and Ethiopian are members of the regional Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) which groups Djibouti, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, Uganda and, Somalia.

The Sudanese government and the SPLM signed the comprehensive peace accord in the Kenyan capital of Nairobi in January 2005.

(ENA/ST)