SPLM-N rejects Khartoum’s statements on peace talks
October 17, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) has refuted statements by the Sudanese government’s chief negotiator, in which it said the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP) has extended an invitation to resume talks on the Two Areas.
The SPLM-N delegation spokesperson, Mubarak Ardol, in a statement received by Sudan Tribune on Friday, described Ghandour’s statements as “twisted” and an “outright lies”, questioning how an invitation for resumption of talks could be extended without setting the date and venue of the negotiations.
Ardol added the AUHIP invited the two sides to meet on 14 October in Addis Ababa, stressing Ghandour received the invitation but asked for delaying the talks.
On 5 October, Ghandour announced that talks with the SPLM-N on the Two Areas have been postponed until after 25 October, stating engagement of some members of his negotiating team in preparations for the NCP convention besides absence of several others who were performing Hajj.
Ardol said the invitation was extended to the Sudanese government not the NCP, saying Ghandour doesn’t differentiate between the ruling party and the government.
“Ghandour had lied and attempted to deceive the public opinion and he continues to lie until he is written as a liar with Allah (God),” he added.
Mbeki announced in September that Sudanese government delegation will hold parallel meetings with the SPLM-N on 12 October and another one with Darfur rebel groups on 16 October to discuss a cessation of hostilities agreement.
The process aims to reach a cessation of hostilities agreements, before to engage in a national dialogue process including all the political parties and rebel groups inside the country.
The border states of South Kordofan and Blue Nile state have been the scene of a violent conflict since 2011 when fighting broke out between the SPLM-N and Sudanese army (SAF).
(ST)