Sudanese govt describes UN resolution as “positive”

KHARTOUM, Nov 20, 2004 (Xinhua) — The Sudanese government welcomed on Saturday as “positive” a resolution adopted by the United Nations Security Council on Sudan’s peace process one day earlier.

Speaking to reporters upon his return from the Kenyan capital of Nairobi, Sayid el-Khateeb, spokesman for the government’s delegation in peace talks with the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), said that the resolution was more balanced than previous ones.

Khateeb said that the resolution would provide a powerful support to the peace process in Sudan and the signing of a comprehensive peace agreement with the SPLA would have “a positive influence on efforts exerted for a comprehensive peace in Sudan and Darfur region in particular.”

“The Sudanese government welcomed the content of the resolution, especially promises made by the international community to provide necessary support for the realization of peace in Sudan,” he said.

He announced that the next round of talks between the government and the SPLA would begin on Nov. 26.

“The motives behind signing a conclusive peace agreement in Sudan is the true desire of the Sudanese people for the realization of peace and their belief that negotiations and dialogue are the best mechanism for solving disputes,” he said.

“The majority of members of the Security Council have agreed that imposing sanctions on Sudan would not help realize peace in Sudan,” he said.

The UN Security Council held a special session on Nov. 18-19 in Nairobi and passed a resolution demanding the Sudanese government and the rebel SPLA finalize their peace talks by the end of this year.