Sudan rules out negotiations with SPLM-N outside Africa

May 3, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s ruling National Congress Party (NCP) secretary of External Relations and head of government delegation to negotiations with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/North (SPLM-N) Ibrahim Ghandour dismissed any attempts to move venue of the talks away from Addis Ababa.

Last week, the first round of talks between the SPLM-N and the Sudanese government since 2011 in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa have adjourned without success in achieving any breakthrough.

Ghandour also confirmed reports that Washington has extended an invitation for the NCP to visit the US explaining that s delegation to the U.S. will be comprised of himself, presidential assistant Nafie Ali Nafie and Ambassador Osama Faisal who is in charge of U.S. relations.

Late last month, the Obama administration has invited a senior delegation from the NCP to visit Washington for high-level discussions.

However, some media reports have suggested that Washington arranging a meeting between SPLM-N’s leader Malik Agar and Ghandour.

(ST)