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Sudan: Good news, bad news
28/05/2004 12:27 - (SA)
Nairobi - Deals paving the way for an end to 21 years of civil war in southern Sudan have prompted international praise, tempered by fresh warnings about a humanitarian catastrophe in the western region of Darfur.
Three protocols signed in the Kenyan town of Naivasha late on Wednesday by Khartoum and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army cap two years of intense talks.
They leave only technical and military aspects of a ceasefire standing in the way of a comprehensive accord.
In essence, the texts give the people of southern Sudan what they have been seeking for decades: a significant role in their own governance.
Amid fresh warnings about a humanitarian catastrophe in Darfur, US White House spokesperson Scott McClellan said the agreements between the government in Khartoum and the country's main rebel group should pave the way for helping that western region.
Britain also voiced optimism, but equally expressed concern at a humanitarian catastrophe in the war-torn western region of Darfur.
Worst crisis
The United Nations has called the conflict in Darfur, where at least 10 000 people have been killed, more than a million displaced and several hundred thousand left at risk of starvation, the worst humanitarian crisis in the world.
UN Secretary General Kofi Annan hailed the accords as "a major step forward".
But he also urged Khartoum and the armed opposition in Darfur to "seize the momentum created in Naivasha to reach a political solution in western Sudan, putting an end to the grave humanitarian and human rights situations there".
The overall conflict dates back to before independence from Britain in 1956 and was halted with a 1972 accord, which broke down in 1983.
Once the main war is definitively over - a final deal is expected by mid-July - a six-year transition period will kick in, when the south will have its own autonomous administration, and sit on a government of national unity, with SPLM/A leader John Garang becoming first vice president.
After that, the south will hold a referendum on its political future.
But the deals have no bearing on Darfur amid a 15-month-old conflict pitting two rebel groups against government forces and their widely reviled militia allies.
Tragedy in Darfur
Garang said after Wednesday's signing that the protocols laid "down the pillars of inviolate and enduring peace."
"The tragedy in Darfur, we hope this peace process in Naivasha will have a favourable knock-on effect on the situation there," he added.
"This is a day for Sudan, for peace, development and stability" echoed his negotiating counterpart, Vice President Ali Osman Taha.
Germany, Italy, France and the Arab League all issued similar double-edged messages while the African Commission of Human and People's Rights dedicated its 35th session in Banjul to the Darfur crisis, with activists denouncing "genocidal" crimes against humanity there.
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