Sudanese official: no negotiations with Juba while shelters rebel movements

Mustafa Osman Ismail, an adviser to the Sudanese President, said on Wednesday that his government will not return to negotiations with South Sudan as long as the SPLM and its army are occupying parts of Southern Kordofan and the Blue Nile, as well as supporting and providing shelter to militant movements that aim to topple the Khartoum government.
 
During a speech delivered to senior police commanders and students at the Police Academy of Rabat University, Ismail said that the post-Heglig occupation stage is different from what it was. “After the SPLM occupied Heglig, the government has no intention to deal with it. What the movement did was met with disapproval and condemnation from all quarters, including the countries that are hostile to Sudan. Regarding the rest of the issues, especially oil, trade, and borders – they are clear for everyone,” he said.

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According to Ismail, Sudan’s status after Heglig is represented in 7 strategic areas, based on enhancing national unity with the support and strengthening of the armed forces and the popular forces, in addition to the economy, and improving Sudanese diplomacy, which has made significant progress in getting across its message.
 
Meanwhile, the African Union has given both Khartoum and Juba three months to start negotiations on their unresolved issues.