SLM’s delegation arrives to Darfur to popularize peace accord

May 11, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — A delegation from the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) of Minni Minawi faction arrived Thursday evening in Al-Fashir, capital of Northern Darfur State. The delegation will visit a number of areas in Darfur to popularize the peace agreement.

In a statement to the Sudan TV at the Al-Fashir airport, the members of the delegation said that the peace agreement signed in Abuja last Friday 5 May constituted a new phase for Darfur, adding that it shows that Darfur had bid farewell to war for good.

In Khartoum, The SLM – Minawi faction has announced that it has started political activities in the capital five days after signing a peace agreement with the government in Abuja.

The agreement raises hope that a U.N. force will be allowed into Darfur to help out the poorly equipped and under-funded AU troops, as Khartoum has said it would consider such a force after a peace deal was signed. It had previously rejected it.

Today, the leader of the other faction of the SLM, Abdelwahed al-Nur said he is willing to sign the Darfur Peace Agreement if Khartoum satisfy certains demands.

He said his key demands were for more compensation funds for Darfur from Khartoum, greater political representation for his group, and greater involvement in mechanisms to enforce a ceasefire and disarmament plan foreseen in the accord.

(ST)