Sudanese delegation in Nairobi to hold discussions, not negotiations
Sudan, Politics, 1/18/2003

A Sudanese governmental delegation arrived in Nairobi yesterday evening to hold discussions with the rebels and European experts on the three areas in Sudan, in al-Nouba, the south of the Blue Nile and Eibi.

Khartoum had earlier refused to send the delegation at the set time last Wednesday after the rebels had announced that the negotiations will be dedicated for the three areas, demanded by the rebels; and then Khartoum agreed to send the delegation after receiving confirmation that the negotiations will be resumed from where it were halted.

The Sudanese charge de affairs in Kenya Ahmad al-Dardiri said that the Sudanese delegation came to Nairobi not to resume the negotiations but to discuss the situation of these three areas in a forum with the rebels and European experts today ( Saturday). He added "These are not negotiations, not even consultations, and we will not take any position regarding it."

For many years, al-Nouba mountain where 500,000 people live have been witnessing fighting between the Sudanese forces and the rebels. A cease fire agreement was finalized in January in Switzerland by the end of negotiations held under the patronage of the US. This agreement was renewed until June 2003.

"IGAD" which includes seven countries from East African patrons the negotiations between the rebels led by John Garang and the Sudanese authorities. The negotiations which started by the beginning of summer of 2002 resulted in a protocol agreement in July 2002 between Khartoum and the people's movement in Mashakos ( Kenya ) that states to hold a referendum on the fate of the south by the end of a self rule period that lasts for 6 years.

Previous Stories:
  Khartoum sends delegation to Kenya; Negotiations to resume from suspension point   (1/17/2003)
  Sudanese negotiations in Kenya stumble; Khartoum did not send delegation   (1/16/2003)
  Khartoum to boycott peace negotiations if it will to discuss marginal areas   (1/14/2003)

Please add a link on your webiste pointing to ArabicNews.com and bookmark ArabicNews.com & subscribe to our daily email news bulletin.

Search