NEXT STEPS ON NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN

C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000467

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/01/2016
TAGS: PREL PGOV UNSC ETTC ER SU
SUBJECT: NEXT STEPS ON NEGOTIATIONS BETWEEN
KHARTOUM AND THE EASTERN FRONT

CLASSIFIED BY: AMB Scott H. DeLisi, for reasons 1.4
(b) and (d).


1. (C) Summary: Following a visit by a Sudanese
delegation over Eritrea Independence Day, there has
been some movement on the upcoming negotiations
between the Government of National Unity (GNU) and
Eastern Front. Much, however, remains unresolved.
While a date has been set for the upcoming "talk
about talks" and commitments made, there are still
some outstanding issues regarding observers to
these initial preliminary meetings as well as over
whether there is any need for outside assistance.
Both sides are expected to be in touch with the GSE
mediator during the coming week to provide their
agenda, lists of delegations and thoughts on
observers for the talks. End Summary.


2. (C) Over Eritrean Independence Day, a Sudanese
delegation led by VP Ali Osman Taha met with
Eritrean officials to discuss the upcoming
negotiations between the Government of National
Unity (GNU) and Eastern Front. During discussions
with the proposed mediator, PFDJ Political Chief
Yemane Ghebreab, all sides agreed to an initial
"talk about talks" to begin on June 13. It is
currently envisioned that these "talks about talks"
will take place in Asmara and be chaired by Gebreab
and last perhaps three days. The focus of the
talks will be on establishing an agenda for
negotiations, a declaration of principles,
inclusion of observers and other outstanding
procedural issues.


3. (C) In discussions with Norwegian Ambassador
Arman Aardal and Dr. Amna Dirar of the Eastern
Front, ConOff was told that both sides are
currently in touch with Ghebreab and that they plan
to provide him with their agenda items and lists of
observers by June 1. Once both sides have provided
that information the GSE will draft an agenda and
inform the resident diplomatic community of any
financial needs required for talks and which
governments would be asked to observe. Amna
stressed that the Eastern Front would like the
U.S., UK, Norway, Italy, Germany and the
Netherlands in attendance at the June 13
discussions as observers. However, both Amna and
Ardal explained that the GNU continues to raise
concerns about observers and seems likely to push
for as few as possible although it seems likely at
this stage that they will request observers from
Egypt and Libya.


4. (C) Aardal explained that Norway was willing to
assist the GSE in any way necessary to ensure these
negotiations go forward, including through
provision of technical advisors and funding.
Aardal queried whether the U.S. would also be
willing to send observers and provide other
technical and financial assistance if asked.


5. (C) While the Eastern Front leadership is now
all assembled in Asmara, Amna stressed that it is
still unclear who will be leading the GNU
delegation from Khartoum. She explained that while
initially it was believed that National Congress
Party Representative Kamal Obeid had the lead
regarding negotiations with the Eastern Front, it
now appears that Presidential Advisor Nafi Ali Nafi
may replace him. The Eastern Front believes that
Nafi Ali Nafi's role in negotiations signal that
the GNU is only interested in a quick fix but not
concerned with addressing the underlying causes for
problems in eastern Sudan. Nafi Ali Nafi led the
Khartoum delegation to Cairo last year when they
signed an agreement with Democratic Unionist Party
(DUP) Leader Mirghani. While it was initially
believed that the agreement was between NCP and the
National Democratic Alliance (NDA),only the DUP
signed on to it. The Eastern Front (Beja Congress
and Rashaida Free Lions) denounced the agreement

last year and refused to attend the negotiations
and instead pushed for separate negotiations with
the GNU.


6. (C) Action for Department: Post requests
guidance on whether the we would be willing to send
observers to the preparatory talks beginning June
13 if requested by the GSE and the parties and
whether we would be willing/able to respond to any
possible requests for assistance for negotiations,
in particular the need for technical advisors.


7. (C) Comment: While many issues surrounding
negotiations remain unresolved, setting the date
for preparatory talks and agreeing on a general
framework for them are positive signs. Given
criticisms of the Cairo Agreement struck last year
and events that surrounded it, post agrees with the
Eastern Front that the Eritrean hosted negotiations
might be yet another attempt by Khartoum to try and
reach a quick fix - but not necessarily a
substantive one - with the people of eastern Sudan
so that they can refocus their attentions on
implementation of Naivasha and quelling on-going
problems in Darfur End Comment.

DELISI