Sudan Government: December is a Realistic Goal for a Deal

WASHINGTON, Oct. 23 /U.S. Newswire/ — In refutation to what was reported on October 22 by Agence France Presse (AFP) that the Government of the Sudan had rejected the end of December 2003 as a time to reach a peace deal in Sudan which was announced by the Secretary of State, Mr. Colin Powell, in Naivasha, Kenya, Dr. Ghazi Salahuddin Atabani, presidential peace advisor, issued today the following statement:

“The Government of the Sudan welcomes the support to the peace process shown by Secretary Powell on his visit to Naivasha on October 22nd, 2003.

“The date proposed by Secretary Powell for the conclusion of a peace deal was made in consultation with the two parties and reflects a realistic goal.

“The Government of the Sudan expresses its commitment to redouble its efforts to reach a fair and sustainable peace deal before that date. Contrary to what appeared in AFP release on 22nd October no suggestion was made by the Peace Advisor to indicate that the Government views the proposal as a dictation on its will.”

Contact: Embassy of the Republic of Sudan, 202-338-8565