Ethiopian premier hails Sudan peace deal

ADDIS ABABA, Jan 10, 2005 (ENA) — Prime Minister Meles Zenawi has pledged his country’s readiness to provide all the necessary support towards the implementation of the historic agreement signed between the Sudanese Government and the SPLM/A.

At the comprehensive peace agreement the two parties signed in Nairobi, Kenya, on Sunday Prime Minister has also called on the international community to extend continued support for the realization of the peace in the Sudan.

The comprehensive agreement signed between the parties in the Sudan as a result of peaceful dialogues ushers in a new dawn in the region, Meles said.

According to the Prime Minister, the Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) has played the decisive role in bringing an end to the decades-long war in the Sudan.

IGAD member countries, especially Ethiopia, feel great joy, for they have been the members of the mediators’ committee.

Meles expressed gratitude to all the parties who contributed to the peace process in the Sudan, especially the U.S. and IGAD partners forum as well as the international community without whose support, he said, the peace process would not have borne fruits.

The victory gained in the efforts to end the civil war in the Sudan would be significant not only for Sudan and the sub-region, but also for the whole African continent.

“Bayonet would turn plough…”, says Meles during his speech on the signing ceremony held at the Nyayo National Stadium in the presence of thousands of people.

Numerous dignitaries including Heads of State and Government, Deputy Presidents as well as higher officials of international and continental organizations attended the historic event, the Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi told ENA in a fax message on Monday.