Sudan: We are fully mandated to conclude peace, Ismail - blaming non-tapping of Sudan's resources on conflict

Sudan Vision June 16, 2006 via ANDnetwork.com:

The Eastern Sudan peace talks between the Government of National Unity (GoNU) and Eastern Sudan Front opened yesterday in the Eritrean Capital, Asmara. The Government delegation is headed by the President's Advisor, Dr Mustafa Osman Ismail, while the Front delegation is led by Mussa Mohammed Ahmed.

"One of the parties of the GoNU is to realize peace in all parts of Sudan," said Dr. Ismail in his address to the inaugural session, adding that no sustainable peace would be achieved unless peace is realized all over Sudan.

"The government strategy to address problems does not lie in the use of arms, but by resorting to dialogue," Ismail added. The head of Government delegation stressed the importance of building a new Sudan on the core justice, equality, the equitable distribution of wealth, power and democratic transformation.

"The government delegation has come with heart and mind, mandated by the President and the Vice-President, in addition to the Council of Ministers to conclude a comprehensive peace acceptable to all parties and capable of bringing stability and realizing development to Eastern Sudan," Ismail Said.

The Presidential Advisor stated that the negotiations could be difficult, but, according to him they have the resolve to transcend these difficulties with the help of Eritrea. The head of the delegation blamed non-tapping of Sudan's resources on conflict.