International monitors to be deployed in southern Sudan: Pronk

KHARTOUM, Nov 21, 2004 (Xinhua) — UN special envoy to Sudan Jan Pronk said Sunday that international monitors would be deployed in southern Sudan once a peace agreement to end the conflict there is signed.

The international military monitors would observe whether the Sudanese government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) are committed to the agreement.

At a UN Security Council session in Nairobi on last Friday, the two conflicting Sudanese sides agreed to complete negotiations and conclude a comprehensive peace agreement by Dec. 31, 2004.

Pronk affirmed peace in southern Sudan “is in hand” because of the desire of both sides and their ability to overcome most of the obstacles.

He also announced that Norway would host an international conference of donors to provide necessary support to Sudan once a final peace deal is inked.