Troika countries call for resumption of peace talks in Sudan

The Troika countries - Norway, the UK and US - called on the Sudanese warring parties to resume peace talks and urged the release of political detainees, Sudan Tribune reported, citing a statement on Friday.
Troika praised the efforts of the African Union High-Level Implementation Panel to end war in Sudan and support the national dialogue process, which aims to achieve democratic transition in the country.
They said that the panel brokered “one process, two tracks” and that mediation presents the best opportunity to secure synchronized cessations of hostilities agreements in Darfur and the Two Areas.
Troika added that it should pave the way for an inclusive and comprehensive dialogue in the east African nation.
“It is therefore deeply disappointing that the recent peace talks in Addis Ababa ended without agreement. We call on all parties to return to the talks in January 2015 with a mandate to achieve peace. In the absence of progress, the situation in Darfur and the Two Areas continues to deteriorate,” the statement read.
The Troika said it was “deeply concerned” by the arrest of opposition leader Farouk Abu Issa and the prominent human rights defender Amin Mekki Madani, saying: “These actions run counter to the aims of a comprehensive and inclusive National Dialogue”.