Eastern Sudan peace talks kick off in Asmara

June 13, 2006 (ASMARA) — The eastern Sudan peace talks began this evening in the Eritrean capital Asmara, with the presence of the diplomatic missions in Asmara at the opening session.

Heads of the governmental and eastern Sudan delegations reiterated their commitment for a just and lasting peace in the country.

The head of the Sudanese delegation Mustafa Osman Ismail said that the government of national unity aims to realise peace and stability in the whole country. Also he called for the construction of a new Sudan based on Justice, equality and power and wealth sharing.

On his part, the head of the eastern rebel delegation Musa Mohamed Ahmed said they came to the talks with open mind, hopping that the outcome of the negotiations would realise the aspirations of the eastern Sudan people in peace, development and genuine federal system.

Sudan and Eritrea agreed during the visit of President Afwerki to Khartoum to exclude the international community from the talks. Sudan wants to avoid external pressures as it was the case in Naivasha and Abuja talks on Southern Sudan and Darfur region.

On this regard, President Afeworki, said that they are convinced that the solution for any issue in Sudan should be a Sudanese solution, explaining that Eritrea’s role in the negotiations is to facilitate and ensure reaching this Sudanese solution.

Eastern Sudan rebels demanded the participation of the United Nations in the talks.

Also the press would be excluded from the talks; just the Eritrean mediator will brief journalists on the progress of the talks.

(ST)