Khartoum – Foreign Minister Ali Karti said the outcome of the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) meeting held recently in Addis Ababa was in favour of Sudan, citing the issues raised by South Sudan, particularly security arrangements. 

Any progress will be in favour of Sudan rather than South Sudan because the latter does not recognise the present status of Mile 14, which extends for 600 km, he said. South Sudan only recognises 120 km of the area because it does not want troops within the buffer zone, which is unacceptable for Sudan, he added. 

 

Regarding oil, the minister said, "Sudan's position was highlighted by President Al Bashir because oil is part of the overall outstanding issues between Khartoum and Juba and should be addressed accordingly and in accordance with the provisions of the joint cooperation agreement and the outcome of the previous presidential summit held on 5th January". 

The minister said South Sudan put up new conditions regarding Mile 14 and disengagement with Divisions 9 and 10 in South Kordofan and Blue Nile and sought to get the oil issue addressed on priority basis. 

On Abyei, Karti said the South Sudan’s intransigence has been hampering progress, but Sudan is committed to resolve the issue of Abyei and complete the establishment of the area's administration. 

Juba has reneged on the interim status of Abyei agreed upon between President Al Bashir and Kiir. The two presidents clearly agreed that the final status of Abyei will be discussed after its administration, police and the legislative council are in place, he said. 

It was also agreed that the final status of Abyei will be negotiated only after the completion of the security arrangements which South Sudan is objecting.     

Meanwhile, the AUPSC has decided to extend the mandate of the AU High Implementation Panel (AUHIP) headed by former South African President Thabo Mbeki for a period of six months, until the end of July. 

The decision was taken Friday in Addis Ababa in the presence of AUPSC member states, Sudanese President Omer Al Bashir, South Sudanese President Salva Kiir and the AUHIP head and members. 

The AUPSC emphasised the need for Sudan and South Sudan to speedily implement their agreements without preconditions, AUPSC Commissioner Ramtane Lamamre said. 

The Council also urged both sides to continue negotiations, he said. The new round of negotiations between the two parties will be resumed on 15 February in Addis Ababa, he added.

By Zuleikha Abdul Raziq