Talks to End Two Decades of Civil War in Sudan

Peace negotiators in Kenya say that the goal of the talks aimed at ending two decades of civil war in Sudan has reached a deadlock over key issues. Ali Osman Taha, the Vice President of Sudan, and John Garang, the leader of the Sudan People's Liberation Army, began face-to-face talks on Thursday. However, officials say that these talks, now in their fourth day, have not made any progress on the disputed topics. Both leaders are trying to find a way to divide political power and oil revenues through a previously reached agreement for a temporary six-year autonomy for South Sudan. Other issues include security matters and three contested regions: Abyei, the Nuba Mountains, and the south of the Nile River. Rebels are also active in these areas, although they are not geographically located in the south. Peace talks have faltered in recent months despite an agreement on a general peace framework. The second round of formal peace negotiations will begin on September 10. Mediators say both sides are under intense international pressure to reach an understanding. They warn that a failure by the leaders in face-to-face talks could turn the peace process into a crisis.