Sudan gov't signs framework peace deal with JEM-Kordofan rebels

KHARTOUM, Feb. 21 (Xinhua) -- The Sudanese government signed a framework peace agreement on Sunday with the Kordofan sector of Darfur's rebel group Justice and Equality Movement (JEM), ending a recent conflict in Kordofan region, adjacent to Darfur.

"The most important item in the agreement is the participation in the federal organ and development in Kordofan states, besides an item on security arrangements concerning the movement's forces, " said Ahmed Adam Mohamed Wady, head of the Kordofan sector of JEM, one of major rebel groups in the western restive region of Darfur.

"This agreement is gains for everybody as it achieves justice to the people of Kordofan and involves them in power together with launching development and service projects in the region," he said at a press conference in Khartoum following the signing ceremony.

Secretary of Political Mobilization of the ruling National Congress Party (NCP), Haj Majid Suwar, signed the agreement on behalf of the government.

He said that the agreement "constitutes another evidence of the government's seriousness to negotiate with all forces, whether political or military."

A group of senior political and military officials of the rebel JEM-Kordofan sector arrived in Khartoum on Saturday morning to sign the peace deal with the Sudanese government.

The Sudanese government is currently in intensive contact with the Darfur rebel groups in a bid to reach a peaceful settlement for the Darfur issue before the general elections, scheduled for April this year.