Sudan agrees to 3-year transition to democratic government

May 15 (UPI) -- The Sudanese military and protest leaders said Wednesday they've reached an agreement on a three-year transition of power, signaling an end to its political crisis.

The agreement marks the first solid deal to form a new government since former President Omar Hassan al-Bashir was deposed in April.

Military spokesman Lt. Gen. Yasser al-Atta said Wednesday an alliance of protest groups would control two-thirds of the seats on a new 300-seat transitional legislative council, and opposition parties would hold the remaining third.

Al-Atta said the deal is a compromise -- after the military asked for a two-year period, and protesters four years. Military leaders said they have support for the agreement from Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates.

The transitional military government has charged al-Bashir for "inciting" and "criminal complicity" in the deaths of protesters who sought to overthrow him. The violence has resulted in at least six deaths, including an army officer.

After al-Bashir was removed from office, demonstrators pushed for an immediate change to a democratic government after 30 years of dictatorial rule.