NAIVASHA, Oct 22: US Secretary of State Colin Powell said on Wednesday Sudan’s government and rebels had pledged to sign a peace deal this year, spurring hopes of an end to two decades of civil war.

Powell visited the talks in Kenya to ratchet up pressure on both sides, sensing a potential diplomatic success for US diplomacy that could transform relations with Sudan, listed by Washington as a “state sponsor of terrorism”.

“I can see the end is in sight, based on what I have heard today I believe that a final agreement is within the grasp of the parties,” Powell told reporters at the talks’ venue in the Kenyan lakeside town of Naivasha. “This is a moment of opportunity that must not be lost.”

Dozens of Sudanese women in traditional vivid yellows and reds shrieked in celebration at the prospect of peace, waving placards that said: “Long live President Bush for the freeing of the world” and “Behind every successful man there is a woman”.

Powell said President George W. Bush would invite both sides to Washington if they struck an agreement on Sudan, which Powell made a priority when he took office in early 2001, partly under pressure from US interest groups.—Reuters