Al-Sahafa: Southern rebels want veto right; Sudanese negotiations suspended indefinitely
Information were contradictory yesterday on the fate of the peace negotiations between the Sudanese government and the opposition groups in Kenya.
The Sudanese daily al-Sahafa said yesterday that these negotiation were postponed "indefinitely" because of the failure of the representatives of the Sudanese government and the souther rebels to agree on a certain schedule.
However, the former Kenyan Gen. Lazaraos Simbayo who plays the role of the mediator between the two sides announced, on the other hand, said that it was agreed to extend the negotiations until September 20 after the term of the 7th session was completed on Sunday.
In its report, the Sudanese daily said that Simbayo made consultations with the two sides but was unable to convince them to agree on a timetable. The paper quoted a source close to the negotiations as saying that the Sudanese government "rejects Nakoro document" proposed by the government authority for development and fighting desertification "IGAD" in July, while the people's movement announces attachment to it.
The paper quoted a source in IGAD and other sides sponsoring the negotiations that the US and Britain failed to make any change in the position of the two sides, despite their commitment to continue negotiations until September 20th.
The chairman of the southern rebels John Garang held the Sudanese government responsible for the stumbling of peace negotiations between the two sides.
In an exclusive statement to the Saudi daily Okaz published yesterday John Garang said "we want a capital for all in which all enjoy all rights and duties." He added "we want 60% of oil revenues of the south and 40% of the jobs and services."
Garang added that the movement calls also for giving the post of the Vice President to the Southern area after it used to ask for alternative post of a President for three years out of the 6 years ( of transitional period), according to the Mashakos agreement. He said "at the meantime, we suggest that the post of the first Vice President to be from the south but under the condition that this "Vice President" would have veto over the decisions taken by the President. The right to oppose and reject the decision of the President of the Republic.