— Saudi Arabia and the United States have urged Sudan"s warring rivals to agree to an effective short-term ceasefire during the ongoing Jeddah talks. Under the auspices of Saudi Arabia, representatives of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces commenced pre-negotiation talks in Jeddah on May 6. Saudi Arabia and the United States urged both parties to engage in the talks seriously to advance facilitating the delivery of emergency humanitarian assistance and restoration of essential services and subsequently expand negotiations to achieve a permanent cessation of hostilities. The parties agreed that they bear a heavy responsibility to help alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people, including the responsibility to reach a near-term agreement on security measures to facilitate the delivery of emergency humanitarian assistance and restoration of essential services to those in need. The parties began a review of the proposed Declaration of Commitment to Protect Civilians and facilitate and respect Humanitarian Action in Sudan. They also began discussions on security measures the two sides would need to quickly take to facilitate the delivery of emergency humanitarian assistance and restoration of essential services, in accordance with the declaration’s principles. Saudi Arabia and the United States welcomed the commitment of the two sides to a constructive and mutually respectful approach and urged them to observe the current ceasefire and refrain from provocative actions on the ground to sustain a positive atmosphere for the pre-negotiation talks. The talks that resumed on Sunday will continue in the coming days in expectation of reaching an effective short-term ceasefire to facilitate humanitarian assistance. — SPA