Eastern Sudan peace talks to resume on July 17
June 21, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — The Peace talks between the government and eastern Sudan rebel group are due to be resumed on July 17 in Eritrean capital, Asmara, a Sudanese official said Wednesday.
Sudanese presidential advisor Mustafa Osman Ismail informed the press upon his return from Asmara, where he attended the first round of negotiations with the rebel East Front.
Ismail, head of the government delegation, said that the government will study before resumption of the negotiations all the documents related to the negotiations for preparation for the coming round of talks.
He stressed that the governmental delegation was determined to achieve a breakthrough in the next round of peace talks in order to realize peace and stability in the east.
When asked about the possible existence of international observers in the negotiations, Ismail said that “until now we have not seen the necessity of their existence.”
However, he did not rule out the participation of international observers in the future, stressing that the participation should be agreed by the two negotiating sides and invited by Eritrean mediators.
“The first round of negotiations was held far away from the direct existence of the observers,” Ismail said.
But Radia Achouri, the UN spokeswoman in Khartoum disclosed that United Nations was present in the talks as observer on the invitation of the rebel group. She further welcomed the signing of the ceasefire and the declaration of principles between the two parties.
On Monday 19 June, the government and the rebel East Front wrapped up six days of peace talks in Asmara with the signing of a declaration of principles and a ceasefire agreement.
Ismail ruled out any effect of Darfur movements which are in east Sudan on the progress of the negotiations.
(ST)