KARTI WELCOMES NATSIOS VISIT

C O N F I D E N T I A L KHARTOUM 002484 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR A/S AF FRAZER AND SPECIAL ENVOY NATSIOS E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/10/2016 TAGS: PREL SU SUBJECT: KARTI WELCOMES NATSIOS VISIT Classified By: Acting P/E Chief Michael Honigstein, Reason: Section 1.4 (b) and (d) ¶1. (C) Summary: State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Ahmed Karti said he hoped the upcoming visit of Special Envoy Andrew Natsios would be an opportunity for dialogue concerning Sudanese/American relations. In a meeting with Charge d'Affairs Cameron Hume on October 10, Karti requested frank discussions on a full range of issues. He asked that Natsios come to Khartoum directly to show respect for Sudanese sovereignty. To help prepare for the visit, the Charge asked Karti about specific points where common ground may be found, including strengthening of the Ceasefire Commission and greater respect for a ceasefire, UN SYG Kofi Annan's recent suggestions to reinforce AMIS, and a coordinated effort to get support for the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) from the non-signatories. Karti agreed that these were all good discussion points, and even responded positively to the Charge's question on deployment of UN troops along the border in Chad. End Summary. -------------- A New Beginning -------------- ¶2. (C) Karti said that he and his staff would do what was necessary to support the upcoming Natsios trip and that neither visa issues nor travel restrictions would create any obstacles. Karti said that the members of the GoS wanted to move past all the recent threats and problems on both sides, including the harsh rhetoric, the treatment of Foreign Minister Lam Akol in Washington, the treatment of Assistant Secretary Jendayi Frazer on her visit to Khartoum, and the SIPDIS visa problems on both sides. Karti was pleased that the Charge took the time to discuss the Natsios visit and possible itineraries in advance, which he indicated boded well for the visit itself. He underlined several times that it is critical that Natsios come directly to Khartoum to show respect for Sudanese sovereignty and avoid the misperceptions that have been created by getting information third-hand. -------------- Finding Common Ground -------------- ¶3. (C) To prepare for the Natsios visit, Charge Hume asked about areas where there appeared to be overlapping interests as an opportunity for discussion. The Charge brought up SYG Annan's recent proposals to reinforce AMIS, including his joint letter with AU Commission Chair Alpha Oumar Konare and his last report to the Security Council, particularly the basic suggestions in paragraphs 40-47 and the more robust ideas in paragraphs 48-60. Karti said that the GoS would welcome discussions of these pointers as a basis for an interim agreement, including any way to strengthen the ceasefire. The Charge then asked about the possibility of deploying UN troops in Chad along the border with Sudan, which Karti indicated was possible. Karti also showed interest in the possibility, suggested by the Charge, that the AU could improve the situation by instituting a rolling ceasefire, perhaps first stabilizing the south, then the west, and finally the north. ¶4. (C) The Charge then brought up ways Sudan and the U.S. could work together to get support for the DPA from non-signatory rebel groups. Karti said he was open to any assistance in achieving this, and suggested the international community and the GoS work together to pressure the outstanding groups while offering some incentives. The Charge explained that several countries, including Egypt, Eritrea, and a group of western nations had all suggested separate conferences, and that at some point one would have to come first. Karti said the issue of non-signatories was one that should be discussed. HUME