Mbeki arrives, confident of resumption of talks
Monday, 21 May 2012 04:42 Lagu Francis South Sudan >>> . The Africa Union's (AU) lead mediator on the outstanding post-independence issues between South Sudan and Sudan, Thabo Mbeki say a possible date for resumption of peace talks between Sudan and South Sudan could be announced as early as this week. Mbeki expressed the confidence after meeting with South Sudan President Salva Kiir and the South Sudan negotiating panel in Juba. Mbeki landed at Juba International airport at about 9 o'clock on Monday morning after his expected visit on Saturday was delayed. He immediately headed for a meeting with the President Kiir and the South Sudan negotiating panel. President Kiir expressed the willingness of the South Sudan government to return to talks with the Khartoum government over security and other post-independence issues. Mbeki also met president Omar al-Bashir on Saturday to discuss the resumption of talks. Bashir told Mbeki he is ready for peace if Juba stops supporting rebels of the Sudan People's Liberation Army-North in Blue Nile and south Kordofan states. The Juba government has denied supporting the rebels. The former South African President is trying to return South Sudan and Sudan to the negotiating table on post-independence issues. He travels back to Khartoum from Juba to consult on a date for resumption of talks. Sudan and South Sudan are under pressure from the AU and the UN Security Council to honour the May 2nd UN Security Council resolution. The resolution warns of non-military sanctions if both parties do not cease hostilities and resume negotiations. -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "South Sudan Info - The Kob" group. To post to this group, send email to [email protected]. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to [email protected]. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/SouthSudanKob?hl=en.
