[Published: Saturday December 12 2009]
Sudan leaders hold crisis talks
Khartoum, 12 Dec-(ANA)-The leaders of Sudan and of its semi-autonomous southern region are having crucial talks in Khartoum.
It is rare for Sudan's most important politicians to meet, but President Omar al-Bashir and Salva Kiir have been locked in crisis talks since Thursday.
The two decade-long war between North and South ended in 2005, but the peace process is looking increasingly shaky.
In 2011 the South will vote in a referendum on possible independence and elections are due this April.
The two leaders fought each other during the civil war and have been uneasy partners since a peace deal was signed in 2005.
The direct head-to-head talks reflect a growing worry in Sudan about the state of the peace process.
Southern leaders were arrested on Monday, when they attempted to march on parliament.
The police had declared the demonstration illegal. (ANA)
FA/ANA/12 December 2009---
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