Norwegian troops wanted in the Sudan

OSLO, Dec 10, 2003 (Norway Post) — The insurgents in Southern Sudan would like Norwegian troops to be a part of the peacekeeping force in the region.

They point to Norway’s active role in the South over the past 30 years, including the ongoing peace talks.

Norway has been an important and central participant in Southern Sudan so far, and I believe that Norway will become an active operator also after the war, says the SPLA guerilla’s chief negotiator, Deng Alor.

He points to the fact that Norway has been active in the South through 30 years of emergency aid and development work. And in addition, Development Minister Hilde Frafjord Johnson has had a central role both before and during the peace negotiations in the war-torn country.

In the opinion of Deng Alor, Norwegian troops must therefore be in place from day one, when the peacekeeping troops arrive in the country.

Negotiations are still continuing, but are expected to be concluded before Christmas.