Eritrea says Darfur peace deal approach not correct
July 14, 2006 (ASMARA) — Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki said that the approach to the Darfur peace agreements concluded in Abuja, Nigeria, between the Sudanese government the rebel groups was not correct because it was reached between certain groups only.
“Although the Abuja accord contained a number of positive aspects, it cannot be denied that it included a number of loopholes which undermine the peace process”, Afwerki stated.
According to the official Shabait website, he pointed out the need for additional effective measures in view of the fact that the foundation has already been laid.
Sudanese government and a faction of the rebel Sudan Liberation Movement led by Minni Minawi signed an African Union brokered peace agreement. The two other rebel groups rejected the deal saying Khartoum must meets demands.
In this regard, the President underlined that the agreement should be implemented in earnest, without resort to endless statements, acts of mutual recrimination of one type or the other and avoiding recourse to unnecessary diversionary activities.
Pointing out that the Naivasha agreement fully addresses the issue of Darfur and the question of East Sudan, President Isaias reaffirmed that the Eritrean government as ever fully supports it.
The question is that what is needed is making proper assessment of the task accomplished so as to consummate the Abuja Accord and not open a new chapter by rejecting the same accord, the Shabait reported.
The Sudanese First Vice President is expected to visit Asmara on Saturday 15 July to hold takes with the holdout rebel groups to discuss their demands and see how to establish a common ground with them and the Darfur Peace Agreement.
Eritrea who is sponsoring eastern Sudan peace talks seems more and more interested by the Darfur crisis. The rapid rapprochement between Eritrea and Sudan could encourage Asmara to bring Darfur rebels to the table of negotiations with Khartoum.
Eritrea realized it can invest strong relations with the former Sudanese opposition –SPLM/NDA – and the current insurgents in eastern and western Sudan and builds a strong alliance with Khartoum.
The reestablishment of the bilateral relations between the two countries is considered as victory for Asmara because it broke the siege that Addis Ababa tried to impose against Eritrea.
(ST)