Sudanese Govt., Rebels Sign Temporary Ceasefire Agreement

Home>>World

Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, October 16, 2002

Sudanese Govt., Rebels Sign Temporary Ceasefire Agreement

The Sudanese government and southern rebels signed a temporary ceasefire agreement Tuesday before the official resumption of peace talks in Machakos, Kenya, a rebel spokesman confirmed.

DISCUSSION

CHINESE

SEND TO FRIEND

The Sudanese government and southern rebels signed a temporary ceasefire agreement Tuesday before the official resumption of peace talks in Machakos, Kenya, a rebel spokesman confirmed.

"The temporary ceasefire agreement is aimed to create and maintain a conducive atmosphere throughout the negotiations until all the outstanding issues in the conflict are resolved," Samson Kwaje, the official spokesman for the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA), told Xinhua on the phone from Machakos, nearly 70 km southeast of Nairobi.

Kwaje said the temporary ceasefire will come in effect on Thursday this week and the official negotiations are to resume on Wednesday.

"This is the first time where we have signed a cessation of hostilities," Kwaje said "Both parties have signed the accord so as to allow the talks to continue."

Both parties to the peace talks failed to reach agreement in Kenya's capital Nairobi on Monday on the terms of a temporary ceasefire agreement.

A source from the secretariat of the regional Inter-Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD), which is mediating the talks, said the first items on the agenda for discussion, in order of priority, were power-sharing arrangements, wealth-sharing,and a comprehensive ceasefire.

"Negotiators believe a ceasefire must be in place if progress is to be made with the overall peace process," the source added.

Questions?Comments? Click here

Sudanese Rebels Say Ready to Resume Talks with Government

Sudan Plane Bombs Ugandan Army Detachment in Southern Sudan

China's Automaker Invests in GM-Daewoo Joint Venture ( 2 Messages)

At least 182 Dead in Indonesian Island Blast: President ( 2 Messages)

Multinationals Fight for Chinese Markets ( 80 Messages)

China Opposes US Congress Committee's Interference in China's Internal Affairs ( 33 Messages)

Fewer Slogans, More Practical, Reflect Social Changes in China ( 31 Messages)