Ethiopia plays a big role in Sudan peace accord: Salva Kiir

Dec 8, 2005 (ADDIS ABABA) — Visiting Sudan’s First Vice President Salva Kiir Mayardit said here Wednesday Ethiopia has played a conspicuous role in the comprehensive peace accord sealed toward ensuring lasting peace in Sudan.

Ethiopia is extending considerable support to the implementation of the peace accord reached between the government of Sudan and the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A), Mayardit said at a press conference after talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles Zenawi.

Mayardit said the peace accord is being well implemented, adding that Ethiopia, through the Inter-governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the African Union (AU), is significantly helping Sudan to ensure sustained peace.

He expressed conviction that Ethiopia’s support to the implementation of the peace accord would be replicated in the reconstruction effort as well.

The assistance of Ethiopia to construct infrastructure facilities in southern Sudan is important, said Mayardit, also president of southern Sudan.

Ethiopia is a member of two committees established to oversee the implementation of the peace accord and reconstruction effort, he said.

He said he had held talks with Ethiopian Prime Minister Meles concerning the implementation of the peace accord and the prevailing peace and security in the country.

Mayardit said he exchanged views with Meles on ways of fostering ongoing cooperation between the two countries.

A team of senior Sudanese officials, led by Mayardit, is in Ethiopia to confer with Ethiopian officials on some issues of mutual concern.

(Xinhua)