Posted on 07/21/2002 7:02:41 PM PDT by Tribune7
The SPLA captured the town of Kapoeta last month
The Sudanese Government and the rebel Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) say they have achieved a breakthrough towards ending their 19-year conflict.
The two sides have agreed on a framework for future talks aimed at ending the civil war in the south of the country.
A rebel spokesman, Samson Kwaje, told the BBC that both sides had agreed that after a six-year period, a referendum would be held in the south on the right to self-determination, and that Islamic law would only apply to the north.
The head of the government delegation, Ghazi Salah al-Din, said the deal included "a structure which resolves the basic question of state versus religion and self-determination (for the south)".
"These were the two most difficult questions which we had," he added.
Talks on ceasefire
The agreement followed five weeks of negotiations in the Kenyan town of Machakos.
Thousands of civilians have been displaced
The Sudanese Government said the deal would only be implemented after a cessation of hostilities.
Both sides have agreed to continue, in three weeks' time, talks aimed at ending the fighting.
Reports say both sides had come under intense pressure from the United States to reach a deal.
Sudan is ruled from the north by Arab Muslims, while the people in the south have a predominantly Christian heritage.
In 1983, the southerners took up arms to fight for self-determination.
I did a search and saw a similar article had been posted yesterday, but I thought it was worthy of a repost.
Again, this appears to be a big deal so I hope it stays in "Breaking News" for a bit.
Your right though. If the Southerns turn in their guns they are damn fools.
Something for the Black conservatives to consider.
I beg to differ...
Reports say both sides had come under intense pressure from the United States to reach a deal.
The Bush Doctrine has all sorts of countries shaking in their boots. Maybe the little islamasists around the globe don't feel confident that 72 virgins will be awaiting them, or they're tired of having to wash out the brown stains everytime someone yells "BOO"....
If you want on (or off) of my black conservative ping list, please let me know via FREEPmail. (And no, you don't have to be black to be on the list!)
Enforced by whom?
Maybe you want to think about that a little.
That should read for self-preservation and for self-determination...
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.