Abyei issue will be discussed in Bashir- Kiir summit, South Sudan FM
August 4, 2012 (JUBA) – South Sudanese foreign minister said Presidents Omer Al-Bashir and Salva Kiir will next September to tackle the issue of Abyei area.
Khartoum and Juba made Friday a breakthrough in their one-year process when they reached an understanding over oil transportation fees opening the door for further progress on the outstanding issues .
The African Union Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) in a statement released on Saturday said the mediation will hold a “round of interactions” with the two parties enable them to reach the necessary agreements on all outstanding issues as the talks are expected to resume within three weeks.
The AUPSC also confirmed that the mediation will bring together the two presidents ” to conclude a Final and Comprehensive Agreement between the two countries, including the way forward with regard to determining the final status of the Abyei Area.”
South Sudan Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation”, Nhial Deng Nhial said on Saturday that Bashir and Kiir will met to discuss Abyei issue next month after the end of Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.
“Mediators have been informed of the acceptance and schedules of an agreement between the parties that the matter of the final status of Abyei will be addressed at the next summit meeting of the two heads of state,” he told Sudan Tribune on Saturday.
Nhial said accused Sudan of still keeping a company of police force in the disputed border of Abyei in Diffra, apparently in a clear defiance of United Nations Security Council resolution 2046 which calls for immediate and complete withdrawal of the troops allied to both sides without making conditions.
A demand he said his country instantly respected and responded to withdraw it police forces previously deployed to provide security in Abyei area six days prior to the commencement of the resolution in May, 2012.
The parties have to agree on who will participate in the referendum on Abyei future and to form a commission to organise this popular consultation.
The contention of the two parties is over the participation of Misseriya herders who pass some months every year in the area.
(ST)