Sudanese Envoy: South Sudan Pacts Thwarted Possible War - Al-Monitor

Magdi Mohamed Taha, the Sudanese ambassador to Algeria, said in an interview to El-Khabar given at the embassy that the nine agreements that were signed in the Ethiopian capital of Addis Ababa [on Sept 27] have set a new course for relations between the two countries, after the situation had reached the point of armed confrontations that could have led to a long war. Taha pointed out that the defense ministers for the two countries had met to put these agreements into force.

El-Khabar:  What is the importance of the agreements singed by Sudan with South Sudan, given the absence of a final agreement concerning the disputed territory of Abyei?

Taha:  In total, nine agreements were signed in Addis Ababa, and their importance lies in the fact that they set a new course for relations between the two countries. Especially if we take into account that — prior to the signing of these agreements — the situation between these two neighbors had reached the point of armed confrontations that could have led to a long war. Herein lies the importance of these agreements. Eight of the agreements covered all of the issues currently under discussion between the two sides, while the ninth agreement served as a general framework, and included general principles to guide cooperation between the two countries, including mechanisms for implementation and follow-up. One of the agreements dealt with security arrangements, while others dealt with the economy, oil, trade, banking, post-service benefits, and various other economic issues. There was also an agreement that dealt with how each country would deal with foreign nationals from the other country.

El-Khabar:  What are the issues that have not yet been resolved with the state of South Sudan?

Taha:  The issues that have not been resolved include border [disputes] and the issue [of] Abyei. Concerning the border, 80% of the border has been agreed upon in the earlier stages, although there are some disputed areas. A basis was agreed upon — and later confirmed during a meeting of the relevant committees — and the agreement is based on the Jan. 1, 1956, border lines. On Nov. 5, 2012, talks began with the Political Military Security Committee, chaired by the two countries' defense ministers. Discussions are still underway regarding developing, putting into place, and the actual application of what has already been agreed upon

El-Khabar:  Why was Sudan unable to track the Israeli aircraft prior to the bombing of the ammunition and weapons factory?

Taha:  Let me remind you that this is the third Israel attack against Sudan, and Tel Aviv did not deny responsibility at the time. In the recent incident, four Israeli planes bombed the plant in the middle of the night on Tuesday, Oct. 23, 2012. They used advanced [radar] distortion technology, and destroyed part of the factory, not to mention material and human losses. This is according to information provided by the Minister of information.

El-Khabar:  What is the reason that led Israel to target Sudan in particular?

Taha:  This is what Israel does. They continuously make many false accusations against Sudan, and said that foreign sides — such as Iran, Hamas and others — had interests in this factory. However, the Yarmouk factory only produces arms and ammunition for the Sudanese army.

El-Khabar:  Is there any truth to reports and statements regarding Sudan's increased air defense capabilities and the use of Egyptian fighter jets in Darfur?

Taha:  This factory produces weapons and ammunition for the Sudanese army. It is the right of any state to possess the means to enable it to defend its sovereignty and territory. Concerning the other details I have mentioned, I cannot comment on them.

El-Khabar:  Algiers and Khartoum were very close to finalizing an agreement to export Sudanese livestock to Algeria, what were the obstacles that stood in the way of this project?

Taha:  Regarding the export of Sudanese livestock to Algeria, both sides had taken steps to determine the facts regarding this matter. However, although there are no obstacles stranding in the way, like any other trade issue it is subject to market conditions and costs.

El-Khabar:  What about the plans for a direct air route between Algiers and Khartoum?

Taha:  There is nothing that would prevent either side from facilitating air links between the two countries, but the issue depends on economic factors. We have heard media reports that Algeria is looking to expand its airline network, and we hope that Khartoum will be one of the new destinations, particularly given that Air Algerie is developing quickly and is planning to add new destinations.