The American Center for Strategic and  International Studies (CSIS), has just published a study on peace in Sudan. This 16 pages text (http://www.csis.org/) recommends that the United States take the lead in negotiations and that these negotiations should be based on the IGAD Declaration of Principles. The main effort should focus on an interim period with a « One Sudan, Two Systems » formula - based on the confederation suggested by the SPLA, for the same period, with a viable South. The CSIS apparently wishes this interim period to become final after a popular referendum.
However, there are a few shortcomings: after asserting that negociations should begin with designing the boundaries between the « two systems », hinting at the Nuba and Ingessana Mountains,. But the rest of the text seems to imply that Nuba and Ingessana will be part of the North.

On Jan.19 an Agreement of Understanding was signed by Turabi and the SPLM representatives. The text stressed the political cultural and religious diversity of the country, which is a new move indeed for Turabi; the SPLM seems satisfied although secularism is not mentioned. Both parties condemn the totalitarian nature of the present regime, military Coups, use of the State of Emergency, and the promotion of peaceful resistance. Furthermore, Turabi wants to join the National Democratic alliance. Let us remember the proverb: « Everything is possible in the Sudan ». Turabi has been arrested with many members of his People National Congress; and apparanently will by tried.

Both leaders of the main Northern opposition parties, el Mirghani and el Mahdi met for the first time since Sadiq el Mahdi left the NDA. They signed an appeal for peace. They call the parties to agree on the way of answering to  the people hope for a just peace. They asked for the restoration of political freedoms. Beshir ‘s comment was that nearly all these freedoms had already been restored.

In addition, we do not foresee what could induce him to abandon the petrol fields in the South