Feb 21, 2007 — In response to statements in the Mass media attributed to the Vice President of the Government of Southern Sudan, His Excellency Dr. Riek Machar;

LRA/M would like to categorically state that its original position on Juba Southern Sudan as venue/host and on GOSS as Mediation has not changed, and that His Excellency Dr. Riek Machar is no longer Mediator as attested to in the formal letter from LRA/M informing him to that effect. LRA/M has no plans, nor does it intend to return to Juba. LRA/M has not held any meeting whatsoever with Government of Southern Sudan to express any change in the original position of LRA/M on the stalled Uganda Peace Process. Moreover, it is also not true that LRA/M intends to meet Dr Riek Machar anywhere on the stalled Uganda Peace Process.

If what has been reported in the mass media reflects the views from Dr Riek Machar, LRA/M appeals to Dr Machar and his government to stop insisting on what will never be, and also stop interfering with efforts by other bodies that are working towards securing a new venue, host and Mediation.

LRA/M is united in its demand and search for a new venue, host and Mediator so that a true, genuine, just and lasting peace may be restored to Uganda.

May Peace Prevail,

For God and My Country,

Martin Ojul, Leader of LRA/M Delegation at Uganda Peace Talks