SPLM-N calls on Switzerland to support AU, UN decisions for peace in Sudan
September 2, 2013 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudan People’s Liberation Movement – North (SPLM-N) urged Swiss officials to support African Union and United Nations resolutions for peace in South Kordofan and Blue Nile stressing that it should lead to a comprehensive process in the country.
A high ranking rebel delegation from the SPLM-N led by its deputy leader Abdel Aziz El-Hilu discussed on 30 August with Swiss officials at the foreign ministry in Bern issues related to the humanitarian situation in the rebel held areas and urged their support for UN Security Council Resolution and the peace process related to the Two Areas under the auspices of the AUHIP and the chair of IGAD.
“This process should lead to a holistic approach to address the Sudan issue in its totality, away from a piecemeal solution practice”, stressed a statement released by the SPLM-N secretary-general Yasir Arman on Monday.
The Swiss government brokered a humanitarian cessation of hostilities 11 years ago in the Nuba Mountains between the Sudanese government and the SPLM signed on 19 January 2002.
The African Union Peace and Security Council and the United Nations in its resolution 2046 (2012) called on the Sudanese government and the SPLM-N to hold direct talks to settle the conflict in the two states based on a framework agreement signed on 28 June 2011.
In line with this framework which had been swiftly denounced by Khartoum few days after the signing, the two parties vowed to establish a political partnership and work together to implement democratic principles, rule of law, respect of diversity and human rights in Sudan.
Last April before a meeting with a Sudanese negotiating team organised by the African mediation, the group said they are ready to sign a framework agreement with Khartoum on a holistic process including Darfur rebel groups and opposition forces to settle the regional conflicts and prepare for a democratic transition in the whole country.
Arman, who was part of the SPLM-N visiting delegation, said they met with the International Committee of the Red Cross in Geneva to discuss the humanitarian situation in the rebel controlled areas. The meeting also discussed the release of Sudanese army members held by the SPLM-N, he added.
The rebel delegation last week also signed a deed of commitment with the Geneva Call group, adhering to a total ban on anti-personnel mines. The SPLM-N, in accordance with the signed charter, committed to destroy its stockpiles of anti-personnel mines and to de-mine agricultural areas that farmers used to cultivate.
(ST)