Joint Mechanism between Sudan, South Sudan to Defuse Border Tensions - Sudan Vision

Khartoum – The Sudanese government reiterated its commitment to implementing the cooperation agreements concluded with South Sudan but pointed out that it will reserve the right to secure and protect its borders against security threats.

In his report to the Council of States yesterday, Sudan's lead negotiator Idriss Abdul Gadir revealed the establishment of a mechanism to monitor the border between the two countries. The mechanism is tasked to defuse tension and build trust between the two countries, he said.

Abdul Gadir said the cooperation agreements might encounter some difficulties given past experiences but pointed out that several mechanisms have been set up to facilitate their implementation. Contacts will also continue between the two countries to facilitate implementation.

Regarding Abyei, Abdul Gadir said the government is committed to Abyei protocol and referendum law. He said government rejected, in advance, the mediation's proposal in the previous round of negotiations because it denied the commission the right to determine standards of citizenship. Abdul Gadir, however, indicated that government has no objection to considering other political options acceptable to both parties for a final settlement of the problem.

Concerning borders, he said negotiation will continue on the five contentious areas and the Sudanese government will not consider new territorial claims by the other party. He said the two parties agreed to seek the help of African experts to present unbinding views.

Adam Hamid Musa, Speaker of the Council of States, praised the conclusion of the cooperation agreements which ended decades of war between the two countries, stating that if fully implemented, the accord would bring about great benefits for the two nations. Full implementation of the agreements would leave rebel movements with no option but to negotiate and join the peace process.

The Secretary General of the Council of States submitted several bills to the house for endorsement.