TEXT : Al-Beshir declaration of general amnesty to Darfur rebels

KHARTOUM, Feb 09, 2004 (Sudan Tribune) — President of the republic Omar al-Beshir has issued the following statement:

Dear citizens, you followed the sad events which Darfur states witnessed during the past months and the lawlessness which caused great losses in the citizens’ lives and property as well as public property.

Out of its responsibility to bring about peace and protect lives and property, the government played its role in addressing these events. The armed forces, other regular forces and Popular Defence Forces had exerted great efforts and distinguished performance which put an end to the violence and the lawlessness.

Based on this, today, I would like to announce the following. First, the main operations are over and your armed forces are in firm control of all theatres of operation . They will continue to be vigilant and ready to deter every armed move, in defence of lives and property as well as maintenance of public security.

Second, I announce a general amnesty for all those who carried arms. They must surrender the arms to the nearest military or police unit within a month from today. The Ministry of Justice should immediately take necessary measures.

Third, the situation of displaced and the those affected by the events must immediately be addressed and an urgent plan be put in place for rehabilitation of the affected villages, homesteads and people.

Fourth, corridors must be opened for national and foreign organizations to deliver relief to the needy.

Fifth, concerned government authorities must be given directives to immediately establish contacts with the UNHCR and the Chadian government to organize for the return to the country of the citizens who took refuge in Chad.

Sixth, directives must be given to all federal ministries and institutions to immediately continue working in the development and services projects, in accordance with a comprehensive plan and in conjunction with the governments of the states.

Seventh, directives must be given to the armed forces and security organs to take necessary measures to control the carrying of arms in all areas in Darfur.

I would like to expressed my gratitude to all citizens of Darfur and their social and tribal leaders, who rejected violence and war and chose to stand by the side of law and justice. Their stance made it possible for the government to bring about security and stop disturbances.

I would also like to appreciate the great contribution made by and the national response of businessmen, ministries and states in sending relief to their brothers in Darfur and in reducing the suffering.

I would like to sincerely register my thanks and appreciation to Chadian President Idriss Deby for his great role which symbolizes good neighbourliness. The Sudanese people will continue to remember all he did with delight and gratitude.

I salute the community, regional and international public opinion, which keenly followed and contributed towards addressing the humanitarian situation of the citizens.

Dear brothers, our nation is ushering in into a comprehensive peace, and we hope this will bring blessings to the whole country. I would like to call on everyone, particularly the citizens of Darfur to exercise unity so that everyone enjoys the fruits of peace. I ask God to protect our country and strengthen us to maintain peace and justice in all the corners. God is great and honour be to Sudan.