The US and peace in Sudan

US Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Walter H. Kansteiner, III , considered that peace circumstances in Sudan are better now than before because of the agreement reached last week between the Khartoum government and the rebels in southern Sudan.

The US officials said in Washington that peace circumstances are optimal at the meantime in Sudan in a way not previously available.

He added that among the proposals is what both, the Sudanese government and the rebels, thinkthe government should be in the first 100 days under the rule of the proposed shared authority system in the signed agreements, and then a new frameworks for a new government will be established.

On the other hand, the Sudanese government and the rebels signed two documents. One to extend the truce and the second covers several points concerning sharing of authority. A process accepted by the two sides. The two sides will meet once again in January, 2003.