The commander of the Sudan People's Liberation Army, John Garang - on his first visit to Washington in three years - has met the American Secretary of State, Colin Powell.
The two men said they were optimistic about the prospects of ending the two decades of civil war in Sudan, reported the BBC.
But Garang said that, while he felt there was a momentum for peace, he did not trust the Sudanese government to stick to various agreements to limit the conflict. He added it was important that the US remained engaged in Sudan, both in political negotiations for peace and with its humanitarian aid.
The SPLA wants independence for the Christian and animist south of Sudan from the Arab Muslim north. (Albawaba.com)
© 2002 Al Bawaba (www.albawaba.com)
