NAIROBI, July 20: The Sudanese government and the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) agreed on Saturday on key issues aimed at ending their 19-year civil war, including temporary self-determination for each side.

The two parties agreed to a “period of self-determination for six months” for the government and the rebels during which the constitutional framework will be put in place without interference from either side, an official statement released by the Kenyan government said.

In January, the SPLA and the government signed a six-month ceasefire in a first step towards ending the conflict, which pits successive Arab-dominated governments in Khartoum against mainly Christian and animist southern rebels.

Sudanese government official Chul Deng said the memorandum of understanding was a “turning point” in negotiations to end the civil war.

“It is an important turning point in the negotiations between the government and the movement” of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA), State (junior) Foreign Minister Chul Deng told reporters here.

“It is a basic step in the peace process,” Deng said.

A year ago in July, Sudan’s President Omar el-Beshir rejected the separation of state and religion as well as the breakup of the state of Sudan, which could result from self-determination.

However, Deng said the deal “lays down the foundation for unity of the Sudan.” In the signed protocol, the two sides reiterated their commitment to a negotiated, peaceful resolution to the conflict “within the unity of Sudan.”

The understanding also sets down a framework for future talks, though there was no immediate ceasefire.—AFP