SLM DENIES MEDIA REPORT OF SUSPENSION OF DPA

C O N F I D E N T I A L KHARTOUM 001534 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/28/2016 TAGS: PREL KPKO PGOV SOCI MARR AU SU SUBJECT: SLM DENIES MEDIA REPORT OF SUSPENSION OF DPA IMPLEMENTATION Classified By: Pol/Econ Chief E. Whitaker, Reason: Section 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (SBU) On June 28, online news service Sudan Tribune posted an article dated June 27 stating that the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) headed by Mini Minawi had suspended implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA). Alluding to a press release, which was neither re-printed nor made otherwise available, the statement indicated that the press release had taken a position against Minawi and his advance delegation, currently in Khartoum, and had thus opened the door to more divisions among rebels. ¶2. (C) Post made contact with SLM Chief of Intelligence Hassan Salah on June 28, who stated that the article was without foundation. Salah said that the inaccurate story could have originated with other rebel groups or Sudanese Government officials opposed to the DPA, including possibly the G-19 SLM breakaway faction. He said that Minawi's SLM remained supportive of the DPA. HUME