Khartoum announces it has Eritrean prisoners; truce with the rebels, today
Sudan-Eritrea, Politics, 10/14/2002

Sudan announced it holds Eritrean prisoners who were fighting beside the rebels in the eastern parts of the country, while the warring Sudanese sides are expected to sign a peace agreement today in order to halt the fighting, during the negotiations aiming at suspending the war which erupted 19 years ago.

The Sudanese ambassador to Egypt Ahmad Abdul Halim told reporters in Cairo on Sunday that Sudan has "several Eritrean prisoners who were fighting in the eastern part of the country." The ambassador added that this is considered "an evidence on Eritrea's participation in the aggression." The ambassador gave no extra information on their number or the place and date of their arrest.

The Sudanese foreign minister Mustafa Ismael on October 5th said that his country threatened "Eritrea politically, diplomatically and militarily." However, Asmara denied the Sudanese accusations and showed readiness to receive an investigation committee proposed by Libya.

Meantime, the Sudanese government and rebels in Kenya are expected to sign a peace agreement today.

Peace talks between the Sudanese government and the rebels of the people's army for the liberation of Sudan collapsed in September after the rebels gained control of the strategic city of Tourit. Since then, fighting escalated in Southern Sudan. However, after the government forces could restore back Tourist, the rebellions abided by signing a truce before resuming the peace talks. This truce will cover the whole negotiations period which is expected to last for five weeks in Mashakos town, Kenya.

Previous Stories:
  Sudanese FM confirms Eritrea's participation in Eastern Sudan's attacks   (10/9/2002)
  Sudanese forces withdrew for the rebels; Khartoum accuses Eritrea   (10/7/2002)
  Eritrea denies Sudanese accusations   (10/7/2002)

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