Garang hopes for peace in Sudan by end of year
Sudan, Politics, 11/22/2003

The leader of the southern rebels in Sudan, John Garang, considered yesterday that there is great opportunity to reach a peace agreement by the end of this year, but he refused to say that this date is final and definite.

Garang said, in conclusion of talks with the US Secretary General Colin Powell in Washington, that there is no final date for this issue but it is rather an expression of the hope to reach peace.

In October, the US tried to pressure the two sides to reach a peace agreement in a date not to exceed December this year, but both Khartoum and the rebels played down the importance of the date the US wanted to have.

Garang said he will be meeting with Sudan's (First) Vice-President, Ali Othman Muhammad Taha, on December 5th and the two sides will discuss issues on sharing power and resources, topics which remained unsolved so far.

On the other hand, the rebels of Darfour announced the death of more than 10 persons yesterday, as a result of the government's forces bombardment of their positions in this area, to the west of Sudan.

It is, however, decided that the government and the rebellions of this movement will resumed on December 4th in Chad negotiations aiming at reaching a comprehensive solution. The rebellions of Darfour, which adjoins Chad " call, in particular for agricultural development for almost desert area.

Since February this year, the conflict in Darfour area resulted in hundreds of killings and the displacement of almost 500,000 persons, according to UN estimates.

Previous Stories:
  Turabi meets in Qatar leaders of Islamic movements including chairman of the Palestinian Hamas's political bureau   (11/17/2003)
  Turabi to meet with Garang soon   (11/17/2003)
  Taha, Garang to meet on December 5th, relief organizations warn against a famine in Darfour   (11/15/2003)

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