Article

2004-11-10 Africa: Horn

Sudanese Govt, Rebels to Sign Security Protocol

Sudanese government and rebel leaders from the war-torn region of Darfur agreed yesterday to sign two accords on the humanitarian and security crises in the western part of the country, delegates said. Sudanese Deputy Foreign Minister Najeib Abdel-Wahab told reporters, "What has been finalized is the security and humanitarian protocols." When asked if the Khartoum government would sign the documents, a major sticking point in negotiations in the Nigerian capital, the minister replied, "Yes."

Spokesmen for the two rebel movements and African Union officials confirmed that the signing ceremony was to be arranged for later in the day. The signing of the two protocols marked a significant breakthrough in talks to resolve Darfur's 20-month-old civil conflict. Previously, the Khartoum government had refused to agree to a security protocol which would include a provision banning their aircraft from flying over Darfur. Delegates and AU officials said that Nigerian president and current AU chairman Olusegun Obasanjo had been invited to attend the signing ceremony at the Abuja international conference center, venue of the peace conference.

Well, I'm surprised. I'm sure at least one side and probably both will proceed to break it, but it's a good sign. Fallout from who won the election, perhaps?

Posted by Fred 2004-11-10 00:01|| || Front Page|| [11134 views since 2007-05-07] Top

#1 Hey, he looks like a friendly guy, doesn't he?

Posted by mojo 2004-11-10 11:23:34 AM|| 2004-11-10 11:23:34 AM|| Front Page Top

#2 ...Ya know, it took me a couple looks to confirm that the chair he's in weren't part of his shoulder boards.
One other note: is it just me, or is there a direct inverse correlation between the amount of crap these idiots wear on their uniforms and how far out of whack their nations are?...

Mike

Posted by Mike Kozlowski 2004-11-10 11:36:58 AM|| 2004-11-10 11:36:58 AM|| Front Page Top

#3 No, it's not just you. But be happy they're not into cod pieces. Yet.

Posted by gb506 2004-11-10 3:29:28 PM|| 2004-11-10 3:29:28 PM|| Front Page Top

#4 As the poundage of gold braid and the size of the shoulderboards increases, the tightness of the national wrappings decreases proportionately.

Posted by Fred 2004-11-10 4:44:54 PM|| 2004-11-10 4:44:54 PM|| Front Page Top

#5 High quality epaulets are necessary for the ones coming behind you, it's a traction thing.

Posted by Shipman 2004-11-10 5:58:55 PM|| 2004-11-10 5:58:55 PM|| Front Page Top

#6 Had to do a double take there; I thought it was Dave Chappelle for a second!

Posted by Raj 2004-11-10 6:48:03 PM|| 2004-11-10 6:48:03 PM|| Front Page Top

#7 I think this guy got me a cab at the Marriot Marquise the last time I was in New York. He could really work that whistle.

Posted by tu3031 2004-11-10 8:47:48 PM|| 2004-11-10 8:47:48 PM|| Front Page Top

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