News Article by AP posted on August 23, 2003 at 11:57:22: EST (-5 GMT)
Peace talks to end Sudan's 20-year civil war suspended over power-sharing between government and rebels
By BRYAN MEALER Associated Press Writer
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 23, 2003 (AP) -- Talks intended to end a 20-year civil war between the Sudanese government and rebels were suspended Saturday because of differences over how to share power, a Sudanese government official said.
The seventh round of talks between the government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement began Aug. 10 in Nanyuki, 145 kilometers (90 miles) north of Nairobi and were supposed to end Sunday. Last week they were extended to Sept. 20.
Ad'Dirdeiry M. Hamed, Sudan's deputy ambassador to Kenya and a delegate at the talks, said differences over power-sharing resulted in the suspension of talks until Sept. 10 to give both sides time to consult.
The Intergovernmental Authority on Development, or IGAD, a regional body mediating the talks, said in a statement Saturday that both sides had asked for "an adjournment in order to further consult with their principals."
More than 2 million people have died in the war, mainly through famine and disease exacerbated by fighting. Although initially seen as a conflict between Sudan's Arabized Muslim north and the south where the vast majority follow traditional religions and 5 percent are Christians, it has been compounded by Sudan's new oil wealth.
The latest round of talks to end the conflict began last July and quickly produced the so-called Machakos Protocol, under which the government accepted the right of southerners to self-determination through a referendum after six years. The rebels in turn accepted the maintenance of Islamic or sharia law in the north.
A cessation of hostilities agreement was signed last Oct. 15 and is to remain in effect for as long as the talks continue. But according to observers, momentum in negotiations was lost because of difficulties in reaching compromise.
In addition to IGAD, the United States, Britain and Norway are also closely involved in the peace process.