Saudi deputy FM receives phone call from South Sudan acting FM

RIYADH: Saudi Arabia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Waleed bin Abdulkarim Al-Khuraiji received a phone call from South Sudan’s Acting Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Deng Dau Deng Malek on Monday.

They discussed the pressing regional and international issues of common interest including the efforts to resolve the crises affecting Sudan.

Fighting erupted on April 15 between Sudan’s army, led by Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces, commanded by Mohammed Hamdan Dagalo.

Tensions began to rise during the negotiations to integrate the Rapid Support Forces into the country's military to restore civilian rule.

South Sudan has been involved in mediation efforts between the warring generals and its foreign ministry said in a statement last Tuesday that mediation championed by its president, Salva Kiir, had led both sides to agree a weeklong truce from May 4-11 and to name envoys for peace talks.

Numerous ceasefires have been violated since conflict erupted in the country.

The Sudanese Armed Forces and the opposition Rapid Support Forces commenced pre-negotiation talks in Jeddah on May 6 under a joint effort by the Kingdom and the United States.

According to the Saudi Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the aim of the talks is to pave the way for dialogue and push for security and stability of Sudan.

Saudi Arabia and the US urged both sides to agree to a short-term ceasefire to help the delivery of emergency aid and restore services, with the view to negotiations on permanent cessation of hostilities.

The Foreign Ministry on Sunday said that the parties agreed that they bear a heavy responsibility to help alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.

The ministry statement said that they began to review the idea of a proposed Declaration of Commitment to Protect Civilians and facilitate and respect Humanitarian Action in Sudan.

Talks are expected to continue for the next few days.