Optimism as Sudan talks restart

Key leaders held lengthy talks in September

A new round of peace talks between the Sudanese Government and southern rebels has begun in Kenya.

Vice President Ali Osman Taha and rebel leader John Garang both said they were determined to reach a settlement to end Africa's longest-running civil war.

They are to discuss sharing wealth and power between the north and south and the control of three disputed regions.

Rebel spokesman Samson Kwaje said the two sides were "65% of the way" towards a settlement.

Kenyan Foreign Minister Kalonzo Musyoka urged the two men not to lose the momentum for peace already built up and congratulated them on their achievements so far.

"The world was watching and waiting for the peace deal," he told the opening session of the talks in the Rift Valley town of Naivasha.

He added that he hoped United States Secretary of State Colin Powell would visit next week to encourage the two sides - or possibly to witness the signing of a peace accord.

Determination

Previous talks ended last month with an agreement on security during a transition period, before a referendum on the future of the south.

John Garang: Veteran leader of the southern revolt

Both leaders promised to work towards a deal

"We are here with full dedication and determination to settle the remaining issues," Vice President Taha said.

"We have come, as we did last time, with the same level of openness, commitment, determination and purpose to move on with the remaining issues so that we are able to reach a peace settlement," said the head of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), John Garang.

Some 1.5 million people are estimated to have been killed in 20 years of civil war which has pitted rebels from the Christian and animist south against the predominantly Muslim government.