SPLM Response to the Nakuru Draft Framework

SPLM/A RESPONSE TO THE DRAFT FRAMEWORK FOR RESOLUTION OF OUTSTANDING ISSUES ARISING OUT OF THE ELABORATION OF THE MACHAKOS PROTOCOL

1. The SPLM/SPLA recognizes and appreciates the efforts that have been made by the IGAD Secretariat, Envoys, Observers and the resource persons and after intensive consultations with the two parties in capturing objectively the outstanding issues of the Sudan conflict and in presenting holistic proposals for their resolution in the Draft Framework.

2. The SPLM/SPLA affirms its acceptance of this Framework as the basis of negations with the GOS on all the issues contained therein namely:
Power Sharing
Wealth Sharing
Security Arrangements
The Three Areas of Abyei, Nuba Mountains and Southern Blue Nile

3. Aware of the tremendous desire and clamor for peace by the Sudanese people, the SPLM/SPLA came to this Sixth Session of the Political Committee Task Force fully prepared to discuss and resolve all the outstanding issues raised in the Draft Framework so as to bring the war to a final end.

4. It is a fact that the draft Framework neither addresses all the concerns nor satisfies the perspectives of the SPLM/SPLA on some important and critical issues of the conflict, but nevertheless we recognize that the document contains most of the important elements for a just and lasting peace.

5. Given the time, effort and resources invested by the international community into this process, the SPLM/SPLA affirms its unwavering commitment to the IGAD mediation as the only forum that has taken us much nearer to achieving peace for our country.

6. The SPLM/SPLA will be ready to present its detailed observations on the Draft Framework if and when the other party signifies its readiness to discuss the Draft as per the agreed upon agenda of the this Sixth Session of the Political Committee Task Force. In order to avoid any loss of momentum in the peace process, we urge the mediators to reconvene the talks within the shortest time possible on the basis of the Draft Framework.

CDR. Nhial Deng Nhial
Chief Negotiator SPLM/SPLA

11th July 2003 Serova Lions Lodge, Nakuru-Kenya