Peace talks between Sudan's government and SPLA-North rebels have resumed in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa.

In press statements after a joint meeting on Wednesday, Yasser Arman, Secretary General of the SPLM-N and chief negotiator at the talks on the Two Areas disclosed that African Union mediators invited the parties to resume discussion of a number of contentious issues. 

He said cessation of hostilities and ceasefire is on the top of the agenda of this eighth round of talks on the South Kordofan and Blue Nile region as well as Darfur.

He further said other issues are linked to the aim of creating a conducive atmosphere for the national dialogue and constitutional conference to be held with the participation of political actors and civil society organizations.‫ 

Meanwhile, Ibrahim Ghandour, the head of government delegation at the talks with SPLA-N rebels said they are back to the talks just to finalize some pending points to form security, political and humanitarian committees.

The presidential assistant pointed out that his team was mandated to negotiate neither a constitutional conference nor inclusive talks in Addis Ababa.

Ghandour further said they were perplexed by the SPLA-N’s demand for inclusive negotiations: “We are here to discuss the issue of the Two Areas only.”

Separately, the Sudanese Congress Party leader Ibrahim al Sheikh said the national dialogue will not be successful unless laws that restrict freedoms are abolished.

The opposition party leader said there is need to reach a ceasefire agreement and humanitarian access for the conflict-affected people as well as the release of all political detainees.

Al-Sheikh further called for the formation of a transitional government to erase the influence of the current NCP-led government to pave the way for elections. He also expressed optimism about the ongoing peace negotiations in Addis Ababa, saying it may result in a comprehensive peace agreement in the country.