Ambassador Tom Vraalsen witnesses the signing of the Mekelle Agreement between the NCP and the SPLM.The Mekelle Agreement establishes a framework for negotiations on issues in need of resolution in connection with the referendum on independence set to take place in Southern Sudan in January 2011. The negotiations came about following a joint initiative by Ethiopia and Norway. The agreement emphasises the parties’ ownership of the process, and at the same time outlines an important role for the international community, in particular the AU High Level Panel (AUHIP) led by former South African president Thabo Mbeki.
The success of the initiative comes as a result of close and productive cooperation between the Sudan team of the Norwegian MFA, the Norwegian Embassies in Addis Ababa and Khartoum, and the Norwegian Consulate General in Juba. Regular visits by Minister of Foreign Affairs Jonas Gahr Støre and Minister of Environment and International Development Erik Solheim have also been important.
The Norwegian delegation in Mekelle consisted of Special Representative to Sudan Tom Vraalsen, Ambassador Jens-Petter Kjemprud, and Senior Adviser Endre Stiansen.