Sudanese government announces unilateral ceasefire

The Sudanese government on Monday announced a comprehensive unilateral ceasefire in all provinces of Southern Sudan as of today, which marks the beginning of peace negotiations between the Sudanese government and rebel factions in Addis Ababa.

In statements to reporters, Sudanese Information Minister Sallah Eddine al-Atbani said the Sudanese Cabinet decided to observe a full and comprehensive cease-fire in all parts of southern Sudan to "facilitate relief operations and lift the sufferings of citizens of southern Sudan."

The Sudanese minister stressed that negotiations and a peaceful solution are the outlet for ending the sufferings of people in southern Sudan.

"Limited cease-fire only means transferring fighting to other areas," he said.

Meanwhile, Sudanese dailies on Sunday quoted the Sudanese Foreign Minister Mustafa Othman Ismael as saying that his government seeks to meet with representatives of Southern Sudan's rebels. These representatives are authorized to take decisions in the negotiations to start tomorrow and will last for three days in Addis Ababa.

"Hopefully, the delegation of the people's army for liberating Sudan will not repeat previous negotiations scenarios," the Sudanese minister added in remarks to what had been announced by the rebellions in that they "want to consult with their leadership before announcing any commitment."

Also, the Arab League on Sunday received an official note from Sudan on the "repeated Eritrean aggressions" against its territories. Arab League assistant secretary general Daw Sweida said he received the Sudanese complaint. The same complaint was lodged to the UN Security Council by the Sudanese foreign minister pertaining the "recent Eritrean aggression against Sudan."