East Sudan peace deal to be signed very soon – Eritrean president
Oct 3, 2006 (ASMARA) — The Eritrean president, Isayas Afewerki, said that the final peace agreement between the Sudanese government and the rebel Eastern Front would be signed in the coming days. President Afewerki made the remark when he received today the Sudanese people’s and parliamentary delegation which is currently visiting Asmara.
Afewerki said that the peace negotiations of eastern Sudan were held without foreign intervention. He asserted the keenness of Eritrea to help Sudan solve its crises and the issue of east Sudan. He said that prevalence of stability in Sudan is important to Eritrea, adding that his country is committed to boost Sudan unity.
Afewerki said that the Comprehensive Peace Agreement makes positive contribution in resolving Sudan’s problems, he pointed out that the peace dialogue so far reached between the Government of National Unity and the rebel Eastern Front equally constitutes a positive step towards ensuring peace and stability in the Sudan.
He further indicated that Eritrea opposes any foreign interference in the Sudanese issue, the President explained that playing the role of mediation between the Sudanese Government and the Eastern Front emanates from the historic relations that exist between the peoples of the two countries.
The Sudanese top negotiator in eastern Sudan talks Mustaf Osman Ismail, said that the present visit to Eritrea of the delegation comprising governmental and people’s institutions is a vivid demonstration of the great significance which the people of Sudan attach to Eritrea’s ongoing active role towards ensuring a just peace in the Sudan.
Ismail further pointed out that this attests to the great value which not only the Sudanese National Assembly and the East Sudan Front give to Eritrea’s efforts but also all sections of the East Sudan population.
On arrival at Asmara International Airport Tuesday, the 33-member Sudanese people’s delegation was welcomed by Abdalla Jabir, Head of Organizational Affairs at the PFDJ, and Mohammed Omar Mahmoud, Head of the Middle East and North Africa Desk in the Foreign Ministry.
(ST)