More peace in the works for Africa
Powell: Sudanese Commit to Reaching Deal
Wednesday October 22, 2003 12:01 PM
By ANDREW ENGLAND
Associated Press Writer
NAIVASHA, Kenya (AP)- Secretary of State Colin Powell said Wednesday that the Sudanese government and rebels fighting a 20-year civil war have committed themselves to reaching a comprehensive peace deal by the end of December.
Powell, who was flanked by Sudanese Vice President Ali Osman Mohammed Taha and rebel leader John Garang, promised that the United States would help implement a final agreement.
…The announcement came a day after the secretary of state promised to review U.S. sanctions in Sudan if the parties reached a deal to end the conflict that has left more than 2 million people dead, mainly through war-induced famine.
Garang, who leads the Sudan People's Liberation Army, or SPLA, and Taha said they were committed to peace but difficult issues still needed to be resolved.
