Dialogue mechanism between the government and the alliance starts immediately

By Al-Sahafah daily newspaper

KHARTOUM, Dec. 05, 2003 — The first vice-president, Ali Uthman Muhammad Taha, and the head of the opposition alliance, [National Democratic Alliance] signed last night a framework agreement at the Sudanese consulate in Jedda, [aimed at finding] a full political solution between the government and the alliance. This step was a first in more than 14 years and has been described as the end of opposition abroad.

The Jedda agreement is based on the Machakos framework agreement, signed by the government and the SPLM [Sudan People’s Liberation Movement] last year. [Passage omitted on the nature of the agreement].

The [Jedda] agreement confirmed the freedom of political and public activities, without use of violence, freedom of expression and trade union activities, and commitment to international laws on human rights and the right of each state to elect its governors and legislative council.