NO ASMARA-MEDIATED TALKS WITHOUT ERITREAN

C O N F I D E N T I A L KHARTOUM 000952 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/SPG E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/20/2016 TAGS: PGOV PHUM UN ER SU SUBJECT: NO ASMARA-MEDIATED TALKS WITHOUT ERITREAN EXPLANATION Classified By: Pol/Econ Chief Eric Whitaker, Reason: Section 1.4 (b) an d (d) Talks in Asmara: GNU needs Eritrean Explanation for Attacks -------------- -------------- ¶1. (C) In an April 20 conversation with Dr. Hassan Al Haj, National Congress Party (NCP) Deputy to Kamal Obied, Chair of the East Committee, he confirmed that the government had agreed initially to Asmara hosting talks between the GNU and the Eastern Front. However, he added that the GNU had requested an explanation from Asmara regarding the joint Eastern Front-JEM April 11 attack in Waqar, East Sudan. Al Haj said that the attack in East Sudan during the Eritrean delegation's visit did not bode well for demonstrating Asmara's viability as a mediator. He added that the Eritreans must explain the attack before the GNU could begin to coordinate Eastern Front talks in Asmara. The GNU, he said, has not had direct contact with the Eastern Front, but is instead relying on the Eritrean Government to coordinate the agenda and timing of the talks with the rebel alliance. He did not confirm, however, that Asmara-based talks would commence in two weeks. SPLM Withdrawal Commences -------------- ¶2. (C) According to the UN Sector Commander in Kassala, Prem Thapa, on April 20, the SPLA began withdrawing from Hamesh Koreib to Eritrea, on their way to the South, as part of the agreed three-stage plan. He had no estimation on the number of troops so far withdrawn, but added that they would be accompanied by about six tanks. The Joint Military Team (JMT) composed of UNMIS, the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF),and the SPLA is monitoring the withdrawal. ¶3. (C) Poloff also spoke with Asmund Skeie, Norwegian First S ecretary, who confirmed that his mission was approached by the GNU to use shuttle diplomacy to convey messages regarding East Sudan to and from Eritrean President Isaias Afeworki. STEINFELD STEINFELD