Sudan’s Salva Kiir meets Darfur SLM leader in Asmara

Aug 30, 2006 (ASMARA) — Sudanese First Vice-President held a meeting with the leader of a Darfur rebel group today in the Eritrean capital; they discussed means to end the endemic crisis in western Sudan region of Darfur.

Salva Kiir Mayardit met in Asmara with the newly designated Sudan Liberation Movement leader Ahmed Abdelshafi Bassey. “The meeting was dominated by issues of how to attain peace and tranquillity in Darfur and Sudan in general,” said a press release issued by the SLM spokesperson Menro Jaffer on Wednesday.

Bassey reiterated the SLM’s commitment to finding a peaceful settlement to conflict in Darfur. He has affirmed that, the SLM will work with all those who are working diligently to bring about peace and tranquillity to Darfur.

SLM-Bassey on 18 August renewed its commitment to the ceasefire in Darfur and expressing readiness to find a comprehensive peace agreement to Drafur crisis. The group does not participate in the current escalation of violence in the region. However, reports say they were attacked several times by Minawi troops supported by the Sudanese army.

The rebel leader also expressed his concern over the deteriorating security situation in Darfur and the recent military escalation that has been initiated by the Sudanese government.

Mayardit, has assured that SPLM is committed to finding a peaceful settlement to Darfur crisis. He further added that, his visit came at a time where wide consultations are very much needed to bridge the gap between the Government of Sudan and all holdout groups.

Bassey was joined at the meeting by SLM Advisor for International Cooperation, Dr. Nouri Abdalla, SLM Secretary of Finance, Mustafa Eisa Mustafa and Elhadi Idris, from SLM office in Asmara.

Bassey was designated by the SLM to lead the movement after the eviction of Abdelwahid al-Nur form the leadership of the group last month.

It seems that Salva Kiir efforts aims to secure the Fur tribe adhesion to the Darfur Peace Agreement signed last May between the Sudanese government and the SLM-Minawi in Abuja.

Many SLM-Bassey leading members confirmed that their movement is seeking to find a peaceful solution to the conflict but still they demand more political representation on the national level and individual compensation for the IDPs and refugees.

Observers ask whether the ruling National Congress, which is under intense pressure, is ready to meet the demands of largest ethnic grouping Darfur.

(ST)

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Below the text of the SLM Press Statement

Mr. Ahmed Abdulshafi Bassey, Chairman Designate of the SLM/A meets with the Chairman of the SPLM, Mr. Salva Kirr Mayardit in Asmara

Today, in the Eritrean capital, Asmara, at the Presidential Palace, Mr. Ahmed Abdulshafi Bassey, Chairman of the SLM/A has met with Mr. Salva Kirr Mayardit, Chairman of the SPLM. The meeting was dominated by issues of how to attain peace and tranquility in Darfur and Sudan in general. Mr. Bassey reiterated the SLM’s commitment to finding a peaceful settlement to the Sudanese conflict in Darfur. To that end, he (Mr. Bassey) has affirmed that, the SLM will work with all those who are working diligently to bring about peace and tranquility to Darfur, and he communicated his concern to the deteriorating security situation in the region and the recent military escalation that has been initiated by the Sudanese government. Mr. Mayardit, on the other hand, has assured the SLM leader that the SPLM is committed to finding a peaceful settlement to the Sudanese conflict in Darfur. He (Mr. Mayardit) also added that, his visit came at a time where wide consultations are very much needed to bridge the gap between the Government of Sudan and all holdout movements that didn’t sign the DPA.

Finally, Mr. Bassey commended the SPLM leader for his efforts, and most importantly for his continuous support to the SLM/A in its quest to realize a just, and comprehensive peace in Darfur.

Mr. Bassey was joined at the meeting by Dr. Nouri Abdalla, SLM Advisor for International Cooperation, Mr. Elhadi Idris, from SLM office in Asmara, and Mr. Mustafa Eisa Mustafa, Secretary of Finance.

Jaffer Monro,
Spokesperson for Sudan Liberation Movement/Army

Phone: +33633935298

Email: [email protected]
August 30, 2006