AU envoy, Sudanese vice-president hold talks for the second time

April 14, 2006 (ABUJA) — The African Union special envoy and chief Mediator, Salim Ahmed Salim met today, the Sudanese second vice-president, Ali Osman Taha, at the venue of the Talks.

During this meeting, the second of its kind, Salim and Taha discussed a broad range of outstanding issues relating to Power and Wealth Sharing as well as Security Arrangements. Both sides agreed on the need to proceed with deliberate speed.

Following this meeting, and during an encounter with the representatives of the Sudanese Media, Salim described his discussions with Taha as “very constructive”, adding that the presence of the Vice-President in Abuja has been very helpful in terms of building confidence and creating renewed momentum for the Talks.

Responding to a question about the status of the Talks, Salim said that the talks are moving in the right direction and that the AU Mediation is operating strictly within the mandate given by the AU Peace and Security Council.

“We have spent almost five months continuously in the current Round of the Talks. Now is the time to take decisions. Our hope is to conclude by the end of this month”, Salim asserted.

(ST)