Sudan’s govt, opposition groups mull peace process

CAIRO, Aug 24, 2004 (Xinhua) — Representatives of the Sudanese government and the opposition groups began a meeting here on Tuesday over ways to achieve peace in the country, a Sudanese source told Xinhua.

The meeting was part of preparations to hold a formal round of talks between the opposition and the Sudanese government to be held in Cairo in the near future, the source said.

During the meeting, the participants will discuss ways to achieve peace and stability in the war-torn country, added the source.

The opposition groups include the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) in southern Sudan and northern opposition parties.

The Sudanese government and the SPLA signed key peace protocols in the Kenyan town of Naivasha on May 26, on power sharing over three conflict areas of Nuba (Kordofan) Mountains, Southern Blue Nile and the area of Abyei, paving the way for a full cease-fire and implementing pact to end a protracted civil war.

At least 1.5 million people have been killed and 4 million others displaced since the Sudan civil war began in 1983.