Sudan government to participate in peace talks due next week

Khartoum, Aug 3, 2003 (dpa) — The government of Sudan has agreed to take part in peace talks following ongoing efforts by Khartoum, Washington and Nairobi to save the talks from collapse, the Sudanese Minister of Foreign Affairs Mustafa Osman said Sunday.

“We are still maintaining contacts with capitals regarded key players in the peace process on how to reach final proposals to end the issue of war in the country”, Osman said.

Osman especially applauded “(U.S.) President (George W.) Bush in his endeavour to bring about durable and lasting peace in the country”, adding that U.S. engagement was the prime reason the government decided to continue talks.

Regional organization Intergovernmental Authority on Development which brokered the talks, has set August 10 as the date to resume peace talks to end twenty years war in southern Sudan between the government and the Sudan Peoples Liberation Army.

The Sudanese government in July rejected proposals presented by mediators during the sixth round of talks in the Kenyan town of Nakuru, saying the proposals would lead to the disintegration of Sudan.