"Russia has been a consistent supporter of intra-Sudanese settlement all along, given the need to bring the situation in the country back to normal, to ensure national reconciliation while at the same time preserving the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Sudan, with whom Russia has traditionally been maintaining friendly relations," Mr. Yakovenko said.
The Sudanese government and the People's Liberation Army have agreed to conclude a peace treaty that will put an end to the 21-year-long civil war in southern Sudan. This was announced Friday, during the signing of a protocol of understanding at the UN Security Council's emergency session in the Kenyan capital Nairobi.
The negotiations between the Sudanese government and insurgents for a settlement of the civil war, which has claimed 2 million lives, dragged on for two years, during which time 7 protocols were signed. The documents outline almost all the aspects of the future comprehensive peace treaty.
The sides have also made an arrangement as to the equal distribution of oil export proceeds. The production of oil in Sudan is close on 300,000 barrels per day.
After a transition period, to last six and a half years, a referendum will be held, for the population to say whether they want to stay in Sudan as an autonomy or to proclaim independence. The referendum will be held in the presence of international observers.
The conflict in southern Sudan is being settled amidst further escalation of violence elsewhere in the country. Clashes continue in the western province of Darfur, where two rebel groups have been active since the beginning of last year. These groups were set up by local African tribes to fight pro-government Arab paramilitary units. Over this period, about 50,000 people were killed and 1.5 million others displaced, the UN reports.
