Sudan’s government and SPLA rebel group ended a 10-day round of peace talks in Nairoibi on Wednesday without settling the key issue of military security arrangements during a six year transition period, according to AFP journalists. According to Nhial Deng Nhial, the lead negotiator for the rebel Sudan Peoples Liberation Army (SPLA), which rose up against Khartoum in 1983, the government sought in vain to convince the rebels to integrate their forces into the national army during the transition period. “We can say there was a deadlock. I would like to sincerely express the regret that we have not been able to make the progress expected during this phase of talks,” he said. Under agreements reached during previous rounds of talks in Kenya, southern Sudan will enjoy a six year period of autonomy before a referendum is held to determine whether or not it remains part of Sudan. Full Story