[allAfrica.com]  [Christian_Science_Monitor]


Expressions Of Hope As Talks Set To Resume

African Church Information Service
NEWS
January 13, 2003
Posted to the web January 10, 2003
Machakos
The second round of Sudan peace negotiations between the government and the
rebel Sudan Peoples' Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) are expected to resume
here on January 15.
The talks went on recess in November last year, with both sides emphasising
their commitment towards achieving a just and comprehensive peaceful atmosphere
in the Sudan at the earliest time possible.
SPLM/A spokesman, Samson Kwaje, has said his side is ready for the resumption
of talks.
During this round of talks last October, the two parties had signed a temporary
ceasefire seeking to end military activity in the country as long as the talks
were on.
The negotiations, which are being held under the auspices of the Inter-
Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), are expected to come up with a
final word on power sharing and permanent ceasefire.
But about a week and a half ago, tension mounted as SPLM/A accused the Khartoum
government of violating the temporary ceasefire agreement by sponsoring attacks
on villagers in the oil fields of the Western Upper Nile.
"We are afraid that this may affect the talks because when the two parties
meet, the atmosphere will be tense and this is not good for negotiations," said
one Sudanese in Nairobi, who asked for anonymity.
He said that the people of Sudan were tired of the war and were hungry for a
lasting peace.
There was confusion as to whether the change of governments in Kenya would
affect the peace process, but the Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kalonzo
Musyoka, underlined that the new government would continue from where its
predecessor left in negotiations over the Sudanese conflict.
In his inaugural speech on December 30 last year, Kenya's new President Mwai
Kibaki said his government would support and facilitate all positive efforts to
resolve the conflicts in the region and other troubled spots in Africa.

   

  =============================================================================
   Copyright © 2002 African Church Information Service. All rights reserved.
             Distributed by AllAfrica Global Media (allAfrica.com).
  =============================================================================