Sudan to Establish Joint Integrated Forces With Ex-Rebels

The following copy of a news report features on the website of the Embassy of Sudan, Washington, D.C., USA.

NEWS STORY Monday, May 22, 2006

Text of report in English by Sudanese newspaper Khartoum Monitor website on 22 May

Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) chief of staff and deputy chairman of the Joint Defence Board (JDB), who is also the chairman of the current session of the JDB, General Oyay Deng Ajak, chaired the JDB's third meeting yesterday at the Armed Forces Officers Club in Khartoum.

The spokesperson for the JDB, Maj-Gen Majdhub Rahama, in a statement to Khartoum Monitor disclosed arrangements for preparing a 15,000 joint integrated forces shared equally by the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the SPLA in order to function as an international force if required.

Rahama denied a dispute between the two parties saying there were only minor outstanding points which would be settled later. He explained that all matters related to the implementation of military provisions of the CPA (Comprehensive Peace Agreement) had been thoroughly discussed, adding that a committee has been formed for the redeployment of forces and the resolution of all their problem.

"The most important issue discussed in the meeting has been the building of trust among combatants," Rahama stated, confirming that implementation would be preceded by an integrated survey. The JDB meeting is scheduled to end tomorrow.

Source: Khartoum Monitor website, Khartoum, in English 22 May 06