Clinton says dealing with Khartoum is ‘difficult’, status of Abyei talks unclear
October 5, 2010 (WASHINGTON) – The U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today described dealing with the Sudanese government as “difficult” as the country heads towards a likely breakup following the South Sudan referendum scheduled to take place early next year.
“We are doing – we have a full court press between our Special Envoy, retired General Scott Gration, called back Ambassador Princeton Lyman to work, we have a very experienced ambassador in Juba,” she said.
“It is going to be hard, and it is difficult to deal with Khartoum, try to figure out what they want and how they are intending to go forward. But we are absolutely committed to doing everything we can,” the top diplomat added.
The U.S. is currently mediating between the dominant National Congress Party (NCP) in control of the North and the Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) ruling the South in a fresh bid to break the impasse over the oil-rich region of Abyei which lies on the North-South borders.
A referendum is supposed to be held in Abyei in 2011 on whether it should join the north or south. The SPLM & NCP failed to resolve their disagreement over the composition of Abyei’s electoral commission which means it is unlikely to happen on time, if at all.
On Monday, the Sudanese Vice president Ali Osman Taha expressed doubt that the Abyei referendum can be held on time saying many issues to be resolved first.
The NCP wants to ensure that the cattle-herding Misseriya tribe will have the right to vote in the referendum. The SPLM however, says that according to the 2008 ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) which redefined the Abyei borders, the Misseriya have no right to vote in areas assigned to the Dinka Ngok by the tribunal.
The Misseriya vowed not to allow the vote to take place even if they have to resort to force unless they are allowed to participate.
The Arab tribe fear if the south secedes and the north-south border becomes an international boundary, they will lose grazing rights to the land and their livelihoods. South Sudan president has pledged that the Misseriya will continue to enjoy grazing rights.
The NCP and SPLM delegations currently in Addis Ababa do not appear to have made much breakthrough in talks sponsored by the U.S. The U.S. State department spokesperson that the discussions with both sides are continuing and revealed that representatives of the Ngok Dinka and Misseriya tribal leadership are also present.
“To reach a genuine agreement on Abyei that paves the way for referendum, you have to have buy-in by all of the major players, and that includes not only North and South, but also the tribal areas in and around Abyei. They have to be part of the solution. We think we’ve got the right combination of parties there in Addis Ababa, and we hope that through these discussions, there can be an agreement that opens the door for a successful referendum in January,” U.S. State Department spokesperson Phillip J. Crowley told reporters.
Crowley refused to confirm reports from Khartoum newspapers that the talks are off to a bad start.
“It’s hard for me to characterize what’s happening in the room from here, other than to say there have been very, very direct talks, frank talks. The parties do not agree on every detail, but we certainly believe that an agreement on Abyei is possible. That was our goal going into Addis Ababa. The Secretary made clear in her discussions with the leaders and other regional leaders weighed in as well that they should come prepared to negotiate. They have done that, and with the clear authorities to reach an agreement. We believe they have those authorities” Crowley said.
“Now whether we can get there or not, we’ll see, but we remain deeply engaged in this,” he added.
Analysts have warned there is a risk of a return to war if there is any disruption to the Abyei vote — and a separate and simultaneous vote on whether the south as a whole should secede or stay in Sudan.
The United States says it will gradually improve both economic and diplomatic relations, with the prospect of full normalization, if Khartoum in the north allows the vote to take place, fully implements the 2005 peace deal and resolves the conflict in the western region of Darfur.
(ST)
DASODIKO
Clinton says dealing with Khartoum is ‘difficult’, status of Abyei talks unclear
Dear The U.S. Secretary of State Hillary , ask me to show you the way how to deal with the Islamists in Khartoum! The only thing they believe is knock out game. When they came to power they said that no power on earth could be able to remove them from power. They challenged all Sudanese saying any one who wants theym out must use forceeeessssssss.
Now the ball is in American pitch either keep on coxing the NCP until they commit another genocide or follow their ideology of using force to cow them. And I have said my word; let us wait and see, and you will come bnack to my conclusions.
Jamjamez
Clinton says dealing with Khartoum is ‘difficult’, status of Abyei talks unclear
There is no further negotiation on Abyei, It is ruled through the PCA and all have promised to abide by it. NCP is just out of Ideas to delay the referrundum or out of Idea on how to explain to its citizens who are asking how did the south get the way out.
There are no room for the messeiria or what ever they call themselves. Abyei is South and that it. SPLM must not give in to NCP tricks all the time. Not this time.
Anyang
Clinton says dealing with Khartoum is ‘difficult’, status of Abyei talks unclear
Hon.Secy Clinton,you’re precisely right,but we can assure you that we will cross the bridge despite the Khartuom’s government ill-intention to re-write or re-negotiate the Abyei’s agreement.
Kur William
Clinton says dealing with Khartoum is ‘difficult’, status of Abyei talks unclear
The referendum of Abyei will take place as it was planned otherwise nothing we can do rather to protect the right of Dinka Ngok people.
Kur
Mr Point
Just follow the exisitng agreement on Abyei – or no agreement will ever stick
Ali Osman Taha signed the Abyei Protocol in 2004. It says the Abyei referendum will be carried out simultaneous with the referendum in South.
Simultaneous means on the same day. The Abyei Protocol of the CPA is the only political agreement that is necessary.
Carry out the referendum in Abyei in exactly the way that Taha agreed SIX YEARS AGO.
Butrus Ajak.
Clinton says dealing with Khartoum is ‘difficult’, status of Abyei talks unclear
“The U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton today described dealing with the Sudanese government as difficult” said Clinton. Hahahahahahaha.
That’s exactly what the South Sudanese had been saying. Khartoum was and still is known for backtracking from the agreement made with it.
It is a government you can’t truth to deal with. They are double stand!!! They say this and they do the opposite. Now, USA has felt it. Can anybody blame Southerners as they opt for seceding?
Butrus