Zuma meets Sudan's Garang
Thabo Mokgola
3 December 2004
Deputy President Jacob Zuma on Friday met with the chairperson of the Sudanese People's Liberation Movement (SPLM) John Garang in Pretoria, to discuss developments in the Sudan Peace Process.
Department of Foreign Affairs spokesperson Ronnie Mamoepa said views were also be exchanged on how South Africa could further contribute to the consolidation of peace and the transition to democratic governance in Sudan.
He said other issues were also discussed.
These included the Intergovernmental Authority on Development-led (IGAD) Peace Process between the SPLM and the government of Sudan; conclusion of IGAD negotiations on peace in Sudan; the Darfur conflict; South-South peace dialogue; and the role of the African Union's Post-Conflict Reconstruction Committee - of which South Africa is chair - in Sudan.
"The peace process between the parties to the conflict is at its final stage with the parties negotiating towards a Comprehensive
Peace Agreement," said Mamoepa, adding that the current peace process between the two parties began in July 2002 when the parties signed the Machakos Protocol.
To date, the parties have signed five peace instruments.
These are agreements on Security Arrangements during the Interim Period, 25 September 2003; on Wealth Sharing during the Pre-Interim and Interim Period, 7 January 2004; Protocol on the Resolution of Conflicts in Southern Kordofan/\Nuba Mountains and Blue Nile, 26 May 2004; Protocol on the Resolution of Abyei, 26 May 2004; and Protocol on the Resolution on Power Sharing, 26 May 2004.
"South Africa is encouraged by the solid progress in the IGAD-led peace process between the SPLM and the government of Sudan and the prospect of concluding a comprehensive peace agreement, and anticipates increased bilateral co-operation between stakeholders in South Africa and in southern Sudan following the complete cessation of hostilities," added
Mamoepa.
Source: BuaNews
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