Sudanese president threatens force if negotiations with rebels fail

The Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has stressed he seeks to achieve an "honorable," peace but he warned he will work to end the civil war in the country by means of force if the talks fail.

This year, 2002, the Sudanese government held two rounds of talks with the rebels to end the war. The two sides agreed on several important issues including ceasefire but a comprehensive peace agreement was not reached.

The Sudanese daily al-Anbaa ( the news) quoted al-Bashir as saying that it has not any day sought war, rather "honorable" peace which cannot be attained through weakness and surrender.

Al-Bashir added in a celebration on the victims of war that "peace comes though the gun if not through negotiations."

However, the negotiators will resume their talks in Kenya in January, 2003 after they had actually agreed on several difficult points like the questions of religion and self - determination. Al-Bashir said in his speech which was held in Kasla, 400 Km to the east of Khartoum, that his government is looking forward by all means to peace, but will not betray the blood of martyrs."