Sudan FM urges rebels to lay down arms

KHARTOUM, Feb 16, 2004 (Sudan Tribune) — The Sudanese minister of foreign affairs, Mustafa Osman Ismail, has called on the UN and the concerned international organizations to encourage the rebels to put down arms and take part in the proposed conference on peace and development in Darfur states.

Ismail made this declaration when he received yesterday at his office the visiting envoy of the UN secretary-general for humanitarian affairs in Sudan, Tom Eric Vraalsen.

The meeting discussed the UN support to the efforts of Sudan’s government for restoring stability in Darfur states and effecting a political solution and balanced development.

The minister reiterated the decisions adopted by the President of the republic on the government’s commitment to open relief routes to guarantee delivery of humanitarian aid to the affected areas in Darfur states.