Darfur rebel leader holds talks with US envoy in Chad

Jan 19, 2007 (ABECHE) — SLM’s Chairman Designate, commander Ahmed Abdelshafi, met here today, Chad with the US Special Envoy for Sudan, Andrew Natsios.

The US official discussed with the ongoing efforts to find a political settlement to Darfur crisis. The meeting discussed the agreement reached between AU, UN and Sudanese government on the deployment of hybrid force on 16 November 2006..

Abdelshafie told the “SLM program with regard to unifying all SLM factions prior to engaging in any future peace talks Sudan Liberation Movement/Army.”

(ST)

Below the statement of the SLM’s Abdelshafi

SLM’s Chairman Designate, Commander Ahmed Abdelshafi, met today in Abeche, Chad with the US Special Envoy for Sudan, Mr. Andrew Natsios. The meeting discussed the recommendations of the Addis Ababa meeting (held in November, 2006) with regard to finding a political solution to the Sudanese Conflict on Darfur. Mr. Natsios has indicated that, the newly appointed UN Special Envoy for Sudan will act as a co-mediator, together with the AU on any future peace talks between the holdout groups and the GoS.

Both Mr. Natsios and Commander Abdeshafi have agreed to work together to finding a peaceful settlement to the Darfur conflict. -Commander Abdeshafi, however, has indicated to Mr. Natsios, the need to conclude the current SLM program with regard to unifying all SLM factions prior to engaging in any future peace talks with the GoS. Commander Abdelshafi has also reaffirmed the SLM’s unwavering support to the deployment of robust UN peacekeeping forces into Darfur as quickly as possible. At the end of the meeting; Commander Abdelshafi, extended his gratitude to President Bush and the American people for their support to the people of Darfur.

The meeting between Commander Abdelshafi and Mr. Natsios was part of the American Administration’s initiative to contact the leaders of the non-signatories to the DPA.

– Jaffer Monro, Spokesman
– Sudan Liberation Movement
– Phone: +33633935298