Sudanese government and SPLM-N rebels to resume talks next week

April 13, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudan people’s Liberation Movement –North (SPLM-N) announced the reception of an invitation from the African mediation to resume peace talks with the Sudanese government next week to end the nearly three year conflict in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states.

The spokesperson of the SPLM-N negotiating team, Mubarak Aradol, said in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune on Sunday they received an invitation from African Union High Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) to resume talks on 22 April.

Last March, AUHIP chief Thabo Mbeki suspended the talks after failing to bridge the positions of the parties on the agenda of the negotiations. He pointed out that the SPLM-N did not accept a draft framework agreement he had proposed.

However, the African Union Peace and Security Council reiterated its support to his mediation and requested the panel to broker a peace deal before the end of April.

Aradol said in his statement that the humanitarian situation, comprehensive peace and democracy will remain the top priorities of the SPLM-N.

Sudanese government officials say they are ready for a negotiated solution to settle the conflict in the Two Areas but refuse rebel’s demand for a comprehensive process.

(ST)