The Sudanese Vice President affirmed his government’s rejection of the African Union resolution on the matter of Abyei, and its rejection of the six-week time frame provided for further negotiation with South Sudan.

The ruling National Congress Party held a meeting Wednesday to discuss the resolution passed October 24 by the African Union Peace and Security Council. The resolution had called on the parties to find a way forward on the Abyei problem within six weeks. They further proposed a referendum in Abyei to be held by October 2013.

Second Vice President Al-Haj Adam Yusif, the leading official in the NCP’s political section, spoke at the NCP premises to reiterate Khartoum’s rejection of the proposal. He said failure to reach agreement over the next six week period would not commit the country to the proposal of the African Union.

He added however that the government remains committed to all agreements signed with South Sudan.