Press hails Sudan wealth deal

There is a strong sense of optimism in the African and Middle Eastern press at the news that the Sudanese Government has signed a wealth-sharing agreement with southern rebels.

One Sudanese paper says a fair spread of wealth is the only way to combat widespread poverty in the country.

A couple of Saudi papers see the deal as a major step towards lasting peace.

But a Kenyan daily says that more pressure must be exerted on the warring sides to bring peace talks to a successful conclusion.

"Fantastic news"

The agreement, which was signed in the Kenyan town of Naivasha, sets out how the two sides will share revenues following the 20-year civil war.

"A just distribution of wealth is what people are looking forward to, and expecting," says Sudan's Al-Ra'y al-Amm newspaper.

Most Sudanese, the paper notes, are "burdened by poverty and deprivation". Redistribution, it says, is the only way these problems can be tackled effectively.

Uganda's New Vision daily shares its excitement at the agreement. "This is fantastic news for Sudan, Uganda and the whole of Africa," it says.

"Everyone now seems to believe the final peace deal should be signed within a matter of weeks."

The paper says the deal will do much to strengthen Africa's reputation across the world. "The longest-running conflict on the continent is now almost over. This must surely help to improve Africa's negative global image in 2004."