Sudan expresses confidence in African efforts to facilitate dialogue process
November 4, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese presidential aide Ibrahim Ghandour on Tuesday expressed confidence in the efforts of the African Union to facilitate the national dialogue process.
During the meeting, the presidential assistant renewed Sudan confidence in the AUHIP efforts to hold a successful national dialogue. He also praised Mbeki attempts to narrow the gaps with the rebel groups in order to ensure their participation in the internal process.
Ghandour, who is also the government chief negotiator, will hold talks with the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) on 12 November in Addis Ababa.
In line with a plan endorsed by the Peace and Security Council of the African Union, the two sides have to seal a cessation of hostilities agreement to pave the way for the SPLM-N participation in the dialogue process.
The meeting with the AUHIP delegation also discussed the outcome of the national dialogue general assembly held in Khartoum on Sunday.
The political forces of the internal political process including the ruling National Congress Party endorsed an agreement reached by their delegates with the AUHIP on the national dialogue and constitutional process on 4 September.
President al-Bashir on Sunday said they accepted the deal even if the national dialogue delegation was not mandated to sign it.
The mediation separately but simultaneously inked the same text with the rebel groups.
The top negotiator dismissed reports that there is a trend to unify the venue of peace talks with the rebel groups, stressing that there is differences in the issues of Darfur and the Two Areas.
He also said the government is willing to engage in talks with the SPLM-N to resume talks on the framework agreement suspended since that April.
Sources in Khartoum said Mbeki failed to hold a meeting with the national dialogue committee, aka 7+7 committee. It is not clear if the meeting will take place today or not.
(ST)