ADDIS ABABA
The Sudanese government's chief negotiator at Addis Ababa-hosted peace talks with rebels affiliated with the Sudan People's Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) said Tuesday that he did not expect a positive outcome.
"Unfortunately, there has been no advance because the SPLM-N is not serious about trying to reach a peace agreement in the South Kordofan and Blue Nile states," Ibrahim Gandour told Anadolu Agency on Tuesday.
"That's why they announced the collapse of the talks two days ago," he said.
The negotiations, mediated by former South African president Thabo Mbeki, kicked off last week in the Ethiopian capital.
There have not yet been any direct talks between government representatives and the SPLM-N, an outlawed party fighting the Khartoum government in South Kordofan, Blue Nile and the Nuba Mountains.
"We've only met face to face in the [hotel] corridors," Gandour said.
He went on to argue that SPLM-N envoys had been reluctant to move forward with the negotiations, fearing that the talks could jeopardize their current alliance with Darfur rebels and other rebel movements.
"That's why they put up obstacles and refused to accept what had previously been signed with the UN, the African Union and the Arab League, especially in terms of humanitarian assistance in the two regions," Gandour said.
"We're ready right now to implement the tripartite agreement on humanitarian assistance so that whoever needs humanitarian assistance can get it on time. We hope the other side will be serious about that," he added.
According to Gandour, Mbeki is expected to announce the items on the talks' agenda later Tuesday.
"We expect the agenda to be announced today; this came at our request," he said.
"The government of Sudan is trying to be patient because we're a responsible government," Gandour asserted.
"[But] from what I see of the other side's behavior, I'm not very optimistic... but still we'll be patient and stay until the [mediating] panel says the game is over," he added.
SPLM-N envoys were not available for immediate comment on Gandour's assertions.
By Mohamed Taha Tawakel
englishnews@aa.com.tr
