No comprehensive peace in Sudan yet – Eritrean president

ASMARA, Fab 4, 2005 (Eritrean radio) — President Isayas Afewerki this afternoon met and held talks in his office with the chairman of the opposition Sudanese National Democratic Alliance (NDA), MOhamed Osman al-Mirghani.

Mohamed Osman al-Mirghani gave President Isayas detailed account of the ongoing peace talks between the NDA and the Sudanese government in Cairo. He also briefed President Isayas on the pending issues between the negotiating sides.

President Isayas reaffirmed Eritrea’s commitment to continuing its efforts to bring about a comprehensive peace in Sudan. Noting that the peace agreement signed in Nairobi between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and the Sudanese government, as well as the ongoing peace talks between the NDA and the Khartoum regime in Cairo were important steps in the Sudanese peace process.

President Isayas said it could, however, not be said that a comprehensive peace had been realized as there were still unresolved issues.

He also urged the NDA and the SPLA to enhance their role in resolving the pending issues to bring about a comprehensive peace in the country. He reaffirmed that Eritrea would stand by the Sudanese people until durable peace was achieved in the country.

The NDA leadership is holding a meeting in Asmara to discuss developments in the peace process and the future of the alliance. Represented by Dr John Garang, the SPLA is also taking part in the meeting.

Also present in the meeting were the secretary of the ruling People’s Front For Democracy and Justice party (PFDJ), Al Amin Mohamed Saeed; the head of the PFDJ’s organizational affairs, Mr Abdallah Jabir; and the head of PFDJ’s political affairs, Mr Yemane Gebreab.

Material provided by the BBC Monitoring Service, original in Tigrinya.