Sudanese govt, rebels said “keen” to reach final peace deal

CAIRO, 10 Oct 2004 (MENA) — A prominent Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) figure asserted Saturday that both the movement and the Sudanese government were keen on reaching a final peace agreement.

“Although this round of talks, which kicked off at the Kenyan resort city of Naivasha Thursday, was serious and difficult, yet both sides were resolved to reach a final and comprehensive agreement”, the official said.

In statements to MENA the Sudanese official said having Sudanese First Vice President Ali Osman Taha and SPLM Chief John Garang participating in this round of talks would help propel peace talks and solve other problems in Sudan.

He pointed out that both sides will probe a string of issues, including security preparations and financial issues pertaining to sharing wealth.

Both Taha and Garang are to probe the implementation of the six protocols which had been spelt out in previous agreements.

As for peace talks between the Sudanese government and the National Democratic Alliance that were set for Cairo on 16 October, the official said the date and venue of this round of talks have not yet been officially confirmed.

On Thursday, the Sudanese government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) began the final round of peace negotiations in preparation for signing a just and comprehensive peace agreement.

This round tackled the file of a comprehensive cease-fire between the two sides and measures to apply the six agreements that were inked between them in the previous rounds of talks.