Sudan, US end round of talks on relations normalization

April 18, 2008 (KHARTOUM) — Sudanese government delegation returned home at the end of a round of three-day talks on normalization of relations with the U.S. administration.

Sudanese delegation headed by the Presidential Assistant Nafi Ali Nafi ended a round of talks with US officials to normalize bilateral relations held in the Italian capital Rome.

Nafi told reporters after his arrival in Khartoum that the two parties discussed bilateral relations, the situation in Darfur besides the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA).

He indicated that the Sudanese and US delegations exchanged a number of papers in this regard.

According to the New York Times, Washington is ready to normalize relations with Khartoum but wants Sudan to accept the deployment of special Thai and Nepalese units within the hybrid mission in Darfur due to their crucial role in the protection of civilians and peacekeepers.

The Bush administration rapprochement with the Islamist National Congress Party dominant government seems disturbing many in Washington, due to the lack of credibility in the Sudanese government.

Sudanese government however expects much from these talks with Bush administration, particularly the removal of economic sanctions and US backing for its membership in the World Trade Organization.

But for Washington the main purpose is to find a solution for Darfur crisis and particularly to put an end to government and rebel violence there for the current stage.

Also, Washington follows with concern the ill implementation of the CPA and the mounting divisions inside the ruling party in southern Sudan; in addition to SPLM incapacity to contribute in the implementation of democratic transition process and Darfur crisis resolution.

“Washington needs to deal directly with Khartoum and to play an influent role in these problems. Bad relations and sanctions minimise US impact on Khartoum.” A Western analyst told Sudan Tribune.

The next round of talks is scheduled to start within one month.

Members of the Sudanese delegation are Deng Alor, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Salah Gosh head of Sudan’s National Security and Intelligence Service, and Mutraf Sidiq Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

(ST)