Sudanese government says determined to meet NUP abroad
October 29, 2015 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese government Thursday reiterated its determination to meet the National Umma party (NUP) outside the country with the rebel groups, describing it as an opposition party based abroad.
The dialogue parties have refused the participation of the Umma party in the preparatory meeting, pointing it should be only reserved for the discussion of security arrangements with the rebel groups.
The Sudanese minister of Information Ahmed Bilal Osman told reporters in Khartoum on Thursday that the government is ready to attend the preparatory meeting with the SRF rebels and the Umma Party.
Osman further stressed that the government will not accept to meet any party inside the country in the pre-dialogue meeting which will be held under the auspice of the African Union in Addis Ababa.
The minister was keen to describe the NUP as an opposition party based outside Sudan, despite the fact that all the party’s leadership members are inside the country, except its leader al-Mahdi who is into self-imposed exile in Cairo after the signing of Paris declaration in August 2014.
The meeting shall be held in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa and brokered by the African Union High Level Mediation Panel (AUHIP) headed by President Thabo Mbeki.
November talks between the government and rebel groups aim to reach a cessation of hostilities agreements in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states and Darfur region. Also the parties have to strike a deal on humanitarian access to civilians in the rebel held areas.
The participation of the DUP in the talks means that Khartoum will also discuss the implementation of some political measures in order to create a suitable atmosphere for the national dialogue such as the release of freedoms and amnesty for all political detainees.
UN Assistant Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Edmond Mulet on Wednesday told the Security Council that the meeting between the Sudanese government and rebel groups have been adjourned to mid-November instead of the third of November.
(ST)