Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06KHARTOUM952
2006-04-20 13:27:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Khartoum
Cable title:
NO ASMARA-MEDIATED TALKS WITHOUT ERITREAN
how-toVZCZCXRO9567 PP RUEHROV DE RUEHKH #0952 1101327 ZNY CCCCC ZZH P 201327Z APR 06 ZDK FM AMEMBASSY KHARTOUM TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 2434 INFO RUCNIAD/IGAD COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
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
--------------------------------------------- ---------------
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of troops so far withdrawn, but added that they would be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
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