Sudan-US talks on normalizing ties collapse

June 3, 2008 (KHARTOUM) – The United States has suspended talks to normalise relations with Sudan, US and Sudanese officials said on Tuesday.

“At this point the leadership on either side aren’t interested in meaningful peace and I won’t be part of a sham or paper peace that won’t really change the situation for the people of Sudan,” said special US envoy, Richard Williamson.

“Until they want a meaningful peace, there is nothing the United States or others can do. I’ve tried my best and I leave sad and disappointed,” he said following days of talks on how to resolve a crisis in Sudan’s Abyei district.

“Right now our talks are suspended,” he added.

Nafie Ali Nafie, advisor to Sudanese President Omar al-Beshir, confirmed to reporters that the United States had suspended its bilateral talks with Sudan.

(AFP)