European delegation in Khartoum discusses peace proposals for southern Sudan
Sudan, Politics, 1/26/1999

A European ministerial delegation currently visiting Sudan has discussed with Sudanese officials proposals concerning the establishment of peace in the southern part of the country and called for the extension of the cease-fire decision.

The European delegation promised to work to achieve a comprehensive cease-fire as called for by the Sudanese government as well as to make contacts with Nairobi aimed at defining the date for the next round of peace negotiations between Khartoum and the Sudanese People's Liberation Army.

Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael reviewed during the meeting with the Italian minister of state for foreign affairs, Rino Serri, and Norway's minister of international cooperation and human rights, Hilde Johnson, the efforts made by his government to establish peace in southern Sudan and asserted the need to implement a "comprehensive cease fire in Sudan."

Ismael considered the proposal made by the rebels in the South to extend a cease fire in Baher al-Gazelle province and northern parts of Upper Nile as "a maneuver to divert attention away from building up their forces in other areas."

Ismael called upon the European delegation to "show good intentions and total neutrality," noting that "certain sides are not neutral in dealing with the southern Sudan question."

The Italian minister, according to well-informed sources in Khartoum, said, "We are in need of a complete cease-fire and the international community is committed to achieving this objective."

The Italian minister added, "We have to exert more efforts in order to establish peace," because some "believe the use of military force by the government in Khartoum causes instability," while the Norwegian minister stated that discussions continue with the Sudanese side.

The European delegation will travel on Wednesday to Nairobi to discuss setting a date for the next round of peace talks.

Previous Stories:
  Sudan refuses to extend cease fire with rebels in the south   (1/25/1999)
  Government and rebels extend cease-fire in Sudan for three months   (1/16/1999)
  Humanitarian organizations warn: Gloomy year awaits the Sudanese   (12/24/1998)

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