Sudan, Eastern Front start pecae talks in Eritrea

17 July 2006 (ASMARA) — The second round peace dialogue between the Sudanese government and the East Sudan Front started here today under the auspices the Eritrean government.

In this round, the two sides would hold discussions on a four-item agenda, namely political power, security and military issues and share of national resources, as well as on implementation procedures regarding previously reached agreements.

In a speech he delivered at the opening session at Hotel Intercontinental Asmara representing the Eritrean government, the Secretary of the Eritrean ruling PFDJ, Al-Amin Mohammed Seid, noted that the two sides have already made a major stride forward as regards the peace process involving the Sudanese government and the East Sudan Front. He also expressed conviction that in the second round dialogue both sides, by overcoming all constraints and differences, would sign an agreement leading to a lasting solution to the problem.

Also in separate speeches they delivered on the occasion, the head of the Sudanese delegation and Presidential Advisor, Mustafa Osman Ismail, and the Chairman of the East Sudan Front, Mussa Mohammed Ahmed, lauded the people and Government of Eritrea for their continued care.

Stating that the two sides managed the current stage thanks to their participation with open mind and heart in the first round of the peace dialogue, they expressed conviction that they would reach a comprehensive solution of the problem and proceed to the development of Sudan.

Present at the opening session were Eritrean government officials and members of the diplomatic corps accredited here.

It is to be recalled that the first round peace dialogue between the Sudanese government and the East Sudan Front was held from 13 to 19 June in Asmara, during which they signed two agreements that laid the cornerstone for the current dialogue.

(Shabait/ST)