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C O N F I D E N T I A L ASMARA 000543 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 06/26/2016 
TAGS: PREL PGOV UNSC ETTC ER SU
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR YATES AND GSE TALK ON EASTERN 
FRONT/GNU NEGOTIATIONS 
 
 
CLASSIFIED BY: AMB Scott H. DeLisi, for reasons 1.4 
(b) and (d). 
 
¶1. (C) Summary: Following the conclusion of 
preparatory talks between the Eastern Front and 
Government of National Unity (GNU), Ambassador John 
Yates had the opportunity to sit down with the 
Eritrean mediator, PFDJ Political Advisor Yemane 
Ghebreab, to discuss the just-concluded preliminary 
round of negotiations, the agreements signed, and 
what to expect from the next round of negotiations. 
Ghebreab explained that the talks had gone well, most 
issues were resolved, and those that had not been 
would be addressed by the time the next round began 
July 17.  He also explained that the issue of 
observers was still unclear.  It seemed likely that 
there would not/not be a "formal" role for observers, 
but that international partners would be welcome back 
for the next round in an informal capacity.  Yemane 
added that the GSE welcomed USG involvement and that 
Ambassador Yates should feel free to return and be 
present when the talks resume July 17.  End Summary. 
 
OUTCOME OF PRE-TALKS 
-------------------- 
 
¶2. (C) PFDJ Political Advisor and mediator for the 
Eastern Front/GNU negotiations, Yemane Ghebreab, 
began his discussion with Ambassador John Yates 
(representing AF/SPG) by explaining that overall the 
preparatory talks went very well and there were no 
major obstacles.  However, he noted, the talks did 
not delve into any of the substantive issues.  He did 
acknowledge that there had been some concern at the 
conclusion of the first round of talks that the 
parties may not sign the Declaration of Principles 
(DOP) and Cessation of Hostilities agreements.  It 
seems that the GNU had two specific sticking points 
on the DOP and the Eastern Front would be unwilling 
to sign the Cessation of Hostilities agreement unless 
the DOP was also signed.  Ghebreab explained that the 
GNU had not liked the inclusion of language on 
marginalization, and had wanted to link the 
negotiations more explicitly to the interim 
constitution especially on issues such as wealth 
sharing.  Neither the mediator nor the Eastern Front 
backed down from the working draft, however, and the 
GNU finally agreed.  (Note: Both documents have been 
sent to AF/FO, AF/SPG and AF/RSA.  End Note). 
 
¶3. (C) Ghebreab said that the "second round" of 
negotiations would begin on July 17.  This round 
would last approximately one month and then there 
would be another break of approximately one month 
before a "third round" and, according to Ghebreab, 
final round, began.  Ghebreab explained that like 
other negotiations in Sudan, there would be three 
main issues to be discussed in the negotiations, 
Wealth Sharing, Power Sharing and Security 
Arrangements.  However, unlike the negotiations in 
Abuja and Naivasha, the issue of security would not 
be the overriding issue and instead social and 
economic issues related to Wealth Sharing would 
probably take precedence and hence why these 
negotiations could be resolved more quickly and more 
easily. 
 
ROLE OF OBSERVERS 
----------------- 
 
¶4. (C) When asked about the role of observers, 
Ghebreab admitted that this had probably been the 
most contentious issue between the two parties.  He 
explained that the GNU did not want any observers and 
that the Eastern Front wanted as many as possible. 
The GSE, he commented, fell somewhere in the middle. 
While both groups diverged considerably on the issue, 
in the end they both decided to leave it up to the 
mediator.  Ghebreab explained the GSE's current 
thinking on observers is to not have formal 
observers, but instead have observers involved in an 
informal capacity and possibly in expert or advisor 
 
roles. 
 
¶5. (C) Ghebreab claims that while the GNU's position 
on observers is "not now", they did agree to three 
points on the issue put forth by the GSE: 1) the GSE 
is allowed to have friends and partners that they 
consult with during the negotiations, 2) that if 
during the negotiations the GSE or other parties 
believe the issue of formal observers needs to be 
revisited, the GSE is allowed to halt negotiations 
and discuss with the parties, and 3) if/when the 
parties reach an agreement, witnesses will be asked 
to attend the signing of the agreement.  The GNU 
accepted these three points, and just asked to be 
consulted if the GSE believes a formal observer role 
is necessary. 
 
IS THE EASTERN FRONT READY? 
--------------------------- 
 
¶6. (C) One of the major concerns leading up to the 
preparatory talks and during them was the issue of 
Eastern Front readiness and unity.  Ghebreab 
explained that despite the rumors over the past few 
months regarding splits in the Eastern Front, the 
group made up mostly of Beja and Rashaida were 
surprisingly united throughout the initial talks.  He 
agreed that most members of the Eastern Front still 
needed some assistance on negotiations, but believed 
that Dr. Amna Dirar's capabilities as well as the 
plan to bring in more outside experts should 
strengthen and bolster the group considerably. 
Ghebreab also stated that during the break before 
July 17, the Eastern Front was planning a conference 
to bring in representatives from different areas and 
groups of eastern Sudan and gain support for 
negotiations and ensure the greatest amount of 
representation in the Eastern Front.  Ghebreab was 
not sure when or where this conference would take 
place, but stated that given GNU and GSE support for 
the conference it may happen in eastern Sudan or in 
Eritrea. 
 
¶7. (C) Following this meeting, other sources 
suggested that the conference has already been 
scheduled for the week of July 3 and will probably 
take place in Tesseney, Eritrea. (Note: a town very 
close to the Sudan border. End Note)  The conference 
will closely model the Eastern Front meetings that 
took place this past February/March between Rubda and 
Hamesh Koreib.  These meetings drew a large number of 
Beja and Rashaida from outside Sudan as well as other 
groups in eastern Sudan.  Similarly, EmbOffs were 
informed that the Eastern Front is organizing a 
capacity building workshop beginning the week of July 
10 in Asmara.  It is not clear who will be running 
the workshop.  We have been told, however, that the 
Norwegians and the Dutch may both be willing to play 
roles in helping to support these events. 
 
INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY ASSISTANCE 
---------------------------------- 
 
¶8. (C) As the meeting drew to a close, Ghebreab 
reiterated a call for assistance from the 
international community.  He explained that between 
now and July 17, the GSE would welcome advice, 
suggestions and technical expertise on what a final 
agreement should look like between the Eastern Front 
and GNU.  The GSE would like to be able to call on 
experts for technical issues and have already asked 
the Norwegians and UNMIS for their assistance and 
expertise.  He continued that while the US and GSE 
have their differences on other policy matters, they 
are of the same mind on Sudan and want the same 
thing: a peaceful and stable Sudan.  He invited 
Ambassador Yates or other USG officials back for the 
July 17 talks and again asked for any assistance we 
might provide on these negotiations. 
 
COMMENT 
------- 
 
 
¶9. (C)  Overall the preparatory talks appear to have 
been a relative success.  The GSE's ability to get 
both parties to agree to a DOP and a cessation of 
hostilities bodes well for its role in the next 
round, and the cessation of hostilities agreement in 
particular was especially timely given the recent 
SPLM withdrawal from the Hamesh Koreb area.  However, 
as noted by Ghebreab, the Eastern Front will still 
need assistance getting up to par with the GNU 
delegation when it comes to negotiation skills. 
While they have a few strong individuals they will 
need to bring in outside experts to deal with the 
myriad of details that they will face once they start 
delving into the substantive issues next month. 
Hopefully the Eastern Front conference, as well as 
capacity building workshop, will provide them the 
broader representation, negotiating skills and 
confidence they need without sucking the momentum out 
of the upcoming "second round."  Although there will 
not be an formal observer role initially, post 
believes that the USG should consider providing a 
technical expert or representative in the capacity of 
Ambassador John Yates or other USG official.  End 
Comment. 
 
DELISI