Security arrangements obstruct progress in Sudanese peace talks
Sudan, Politics, 9/12/2003

The Sudanese peace talks which are being held in Kenya entered its second week yesterday, achieving no progress in security matters that pave the way to move on other issues.

The Sudanese vice president Othman Ali Taha and the leader of the southern rebels ( Sudan people liberation army) John Garang have not reached a joint solution for the issue of security arrangements whereas discussions have not yet started on other main issues like sharing authorities and resources or controlling the three areas in Kardavan, Ebya and the Blue Nile.

An official who asked to be anonymous announced "they are discussing security matters. An issue which stipulates the implementation of the peace agreement." He added "an agreement on this subject will guarantee honoring the cease fire."

Taha and Garang have been making their negotiations since 8 days in Nayfasha, 80 Km to the north west of Nairobi. Khartoum hopes to dismantle the rebels army to avoid split in the south which is rich in oil, while Garang seeks to preserve unity of his forces.

The spokesman for the rebels Kawaji Samsoun said "the talks were proceeding in a positive way but slowed down because of the security arrangements." He added "should we agree on this subject, we can start speedily in other issues, because this is the complicated subject."

Well-informed officials acquainted with the negotiations said that a large scale agreement on matters of the authorities of the vice president, which will be assumed by the rebels, and sharing resources will need two or three days after an agreement on the security subject matter.

Previous Stories:
  Sudanese defense minister heads for Kenya to discuss arrangements for transitional period   (9/11/2003)
  Sudanese FM expects a breakthrough; Kenya: Taha, Garang achieved 'tremendous progress"'   (9/9/2003)
  Ali Othman, Garang resume their talks in friendly atmospheres   (9/6/2003)

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