UN chief “excited” at peace prospects in Sudan

COLOMBO, Jan 9 (AFP) — UN Secretary General Kofi Annan said he was “excited” at the possibility of peace in Sudan, and the re-energising of the peace process in the Middle East, where Palestinians were holding leadership elections.

“I am excited about prospects of peace in Sudan and re-energising of peace process between Israel and Palestine,” Annan told a media conference in Colombo after wrapping up a two-day visit of tsunami-affected Sri Lanka.

“I am very impressed by the Palestinians and their transition process after Yasser Arafat’s death. Today they have a choice to elect a new leader and the elections are expected to go very well.”

He said he expected the new leader would get the support of the Palestinian people and also of the “international community”.

“Mahmud Abbas and Israel Prime Minister Ariel Sharon know each other well,” said Annan. Abbas is the overwhelming favourite to win Sunday’s vote and replace Arafat, who died two months ago.

He was buoyant at developments in Sudan.

“I am thrilled that peace will return again between the North and the South in Sudan. This is a conflict that has been going on for the last 21 years,” Annan said.

“Many were sceptical earlier about the agreement between the North and the South but it has made positive impact.”

Sudan’s Vice President Ali Osman Taha and the country’s main rebel leader John Garang were due Sunday to sign a final peace agreement in Kenya to decisively end Africa’s longest-running conflict.

The signing ceremony, to be held in Nairobi’s Nyayo National Stadium, was to be attended by several heads of state, diplomats and western leaders including US Secretary of State Colin Powell. Thousands of Sudanese refugees in Kenya are also expected to attend.

After a two-day visit to Sri Lanka, Annan was to head later Sunday for the Maldives which was also hit by the giant sea surges on December 26.