Press Release by GoS, SPLM issued at the end of Sudan peace talks in Nairobi

NAIROBI, Oct 16, 2004 (SUNA) — Following the Sudan News Agency publishes text of Joint Press Statement issued at the conclusion of the The fifth High Level Consultative Meeting between the Government of the Sudan (GOS), led by His Excellency Ali Osman Mohamed Taha, the First Vice President of the Republic of the Sudan, and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement /Army (SPLM/A), led by Dr. John Garang de Mabior, the Chairman of the SPLM and Commander in Chief of the SPLA, convened in Nairobi, Kenya, from the 7th to 16th of October, 2004 under the auspices of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD):- “Inter- Continental Hotel, Nairobi 16th October 2004

(1)- The fifth High Level Consultative Meeting between the Government of the Sudan (GOS), led by His Excellency Ali Osman Mohamed Taha, the First Vice President of the Republic of the Sudan, and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement /Army (SPLM/A), led by Dr. John Garang de Mabior, the Chairman of the SPLM and Commander in Chief of the SPLA, convened in Nairobi, Kenya, from the 7th to 16th of October, 2004 under the auspices of the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD)

(2) The two Parties (GOS and SPLM) held negotiations on Permanent Ceasefire Arrangements during the Pre-interim and Interim Period. The discussions between the Parties were in a cordial and frank atmosphere and have resolved most of the outstanding issues paving the way to achievement of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement on the Sudan Conflict

(3) The issues discussed and resolved include the following: (a) The Joint/Integrated Units (JIUs) in Eastern Sudan; (b) Establishment of JIUs Service Arms; (c) Collaborative approach of handing other armed groups; (d) Other aspects of permanent ceasefire including the role of United Nation Peace Support Mission

(4) The two parties have also agreed that the technical committee on the ceasefire negotiations will continue to discuss and resolve any remaining issues including the funding of the armed forces and timing of incorporating and integrating other armed groups into the respective structures of the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLA/SPLM)

(5) In addition, it has been agreed that the technical committee on Implementation Modalities and International/ Regional Guarantees shall immediately commence its work

(6) Furthermore, the two Parties recommitted themselves to finalize and conclude the Comprehensive Peace Agreement in recognition that that prompt completion of the Peace Process is essential for all the people of the Sudan as it will help in resolving all challenges facing the country. It was also agreed that H.E. Ali Osman Mohamed Taha and Dr. John Garang de Mabior will return after the Holy Month of Ramadan to finalize the Comprehensive Peace Agreement on a date to be communicated to the Parties by the IGAD Secretariat

(7) Finally, H.E. Ali Osman Mohamed Taha and Dr. John Garang de Mabior thank the IGAD Mediators, the Government and People of Kenya, IGAD countries, IGAD Partners Forum (IPF), the United Nations (UN), the African Union (AU), and the broader International Community for their tireless efforts in search of peace in the Sudan.”