Obstacles to Comprehensive Peace Agreement in Sudan
(PANA)-Failure to address outstanding issues in the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) between the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A) could jeopardize the significant progress achieved so far, the Peace and Security Council (PSC) of the African Union (AU) has warned.
| Expressing deep concern over the current difficulties in implementating the CPA and the suspension by the SPLM, on 11 October 2007, of its participation in the Government of National Unity, the Council said the situation could lead to serious consequences for peace and stability in Sudan and in the entire region. In a press statement issued here late Thursday at the end of its 103rd meeting, the PSC urged the parties to the CPA to expedite their consultations and spare no efforts to overcome the obstacles impeding full implementation of the CPA. Obstacles in implementating the CPA include those relating to the Abyei Protocol, the full redeployment of forces, the complete formation and deployment of the Joint Integrated Units, the demarcation of the border between North Sudan and South Sudan, and implementation of the Wealth Sharing Protocol on natural resources, specifically oil. In addition, the parties to the CPA have to ensure that all the necessary steps are taken in preparation for the forthcoming elections as stipulated in the agreement. The Government of Sudan and the SPLM/A signed the CPA 9 January 2005 to end a civil war that lasted over two decades and claimed millions of lives. Council, however, noted with satisfaction that, in spite of the current difficulties, both parties have reiterated their commitment to the CPA and their determination to seek a solution through peaceful means and dialogue. Council expressed hope that the envisaged meeting between President Omar Al-Bashir and First Vice-President Salva Kiir would agree on the way forward regarding the resolution of the outstanding issues and further provide guidance to enable the Committee of Six established by the two parties to fulfill its mandate. Also, the PSC expressed support for the efforts of the regional Inter Governmental Authority on Development (IGAD) through its Special Envoy, former Kenyan President Daniel Arap Moi, to facilitate implementation of the CPA. In order to provide more effective support to the implementation of the CPA, the Council has requested the AU Commission to open a liaison office in Khartoum and Juba, the capital of South Sudan. |
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