unitex@rubbs.fidonet.org (unitex) (09/12/89)
SUDAN JUNTA INVITES REBELS; GARANG SETS TOUGH TERMS (Reuter Library Report, September 7, 298 words, DATELINE: KHARTOUM) Sudan's military rulers promised southern rebel John Garang safe passage on Thursday to attend a peace conference in Khartoum. Garang said he would stay away unless the junta conceded a stiff list of demands. Diplomats in East Africa said General Omar Hassan al-Bashir's junta was virtually certain to reject Garang's conditions, which were broadcast by rebel radio. Junta negotiator Colonel Mohammed al-Amin Khalifa told a news conference: "We will give him (Garang) all the protection he needs... "I am inviting him to take part with us in the conference so we can hear his voice. We are waiting for him in Khartoum." Rebel radio said Garang would not attend unless the junta scrapped Islamic Sharia law -- a key issue in the six-year revolt in the non-Moslem south -- compensated those who had limbs amputed under Sharia, and reversed authoritarian measures taken since it overthrew an elected government on June 30. Sudan is the continent's largest country, stretching up the Nile from the Egypt to the heart of Black Africa. War and famine killed some 250,000 southerners last year alone and forced at least three millions to flee the region. The rebel demands included freeing arrested politicians and trade unionists, lifting bans on parties and unions, reinstating purged judges, military officers, civil servants and diplomats, and restoring freedom of the press. Khalifa said the conference's would open on Saturday, with or without Garang, and representive of all Sudan's political forces, regions, and ethnic and religious groups would set up six committees to discuss a new formula for governing the nation. "If Sharia is a controversial issue, then we should sit down and negotiate," he said. "We are knocking on every door in the search for peace," he said. * Origin: UNITEX --> Toward a United Species (1:107/501) --- Patt Haring | UNITEX : United Nations patth@sci.ccny.cuny.edu | Information patth@ccnysci.BITNET | Transfer Exchange -=- Every child smiles in the same language. -=-