Sudan could release prisoners according to progress of peace talks – official

February 15, 2009 (DOHA) — A member of the government delegation to the ongoing Doha talks said today that the parties agreed on all the previously outstanding differences except the release of prisoners but he said this measure could intervene during the progress of talks.

Amin Hasan Omer told the official SUNA that the government rejects the preconditions demanded by the JEM rebels, adding though that they do not object to study the issue during the talks. This statement is the first reaction from the government delegation over the demand by the rebel Justice and Equality Movement to release the prisoners before beginning talks.

The Doha talks are stalled since four days over the confidence-building measures. JEM spokesperson Ahmed Hussein Adam yesterday slammed the government for lacking seriousness saying the government does not want to commit itself to stop air strikes on civilians or conduct an exchange of prisoners of war (POWs).

Speaking to Sudan Tribune before his travel to Doha last week, JEM leader Khalil Ibrahim warned that this step is a determinant for the rest of the peace process: “If they are not serious we would not continue the process with them.”

Omer said if the parties reach an agreement on this issue, the stakeholders will sign the agreement. He expected the matter should be resolved between the Monday and Tuesday in order to sign the framework agreement.

Adam told Sudan Tribune the two parties have to meet on Monday morning to discuss the issue.

The rebel negotiators had proposed to include four measures to produce a conducive environment for talks: the release of detained members from the both sides, a halt to harassment of the displaced (IDPs), a halt of forced repatriation of the IDPs, and the cessation of air strikes on civilians.

The confidence-building measures are supposed to be the first point in the ongoing talks; it would thereafter be followed by a declaration of intent. After that, the parties have to sign a framework agreement to determine the procedures and the topics to be discussed by the stakeholders. This accord would be ushered in by an agreement for cessation of hostilities.

(ST)