Sudanese First Vice-President in Asmara to meet Darfur rebels

Aug 29, 2006 (ASMARA) — The Sudanese First Vice-President Salva Kiir Mayardit arrived to the Eritrean capital in a two-day visit to discuss bilateral ties, and to meet Darfur rebel factions opposed to the signed peace agreement last May.

Mayardit is expected to meet leaders of Darfur holdout rebel groups to discuss their demands to join the Darfur Peace Agreement signed between Sudanese government and Sudan Liberation Movement Minni Minawi faction on 5 May in Abuja.

Eritrea since two months ago has proposed to Sudanese government to facilitate dialogue with the holdout groups. Salva Kiir adjourned his announced trip Eritrea more than once since last July.

The Sudanese delegation includes the minister of transports Kuwal Maniang Jok, state minister at the presidency Telar Deng, the presidential advisers, Majzoub al-Khalifah, and Mansour Khalid and the head of security, Gen Salah Abdallah Gosh.

Sudanese First Vice president will meet President Isayas Afewerki this afternoon to discuss bilateral relations and other issues of mutual concerns.

Eritrean Defence minister Gen Sebhat Ephrem and other senior government officials welcomed the Sudanese delegation on arrival at Asmara International Airport this morning.

(ST)