Sudanese delegation visits France for talks on Chad and Darfur

June 17, 2008 (KHRTOUM) — A Sudanese delegation will start on Wednesday a three day visit to France for talks on bilateral relations, Sudan-Chad tension and settlement of Darfur crisis.

Darfur and tension with Chad have gradually affected the worm relations between Paris and Khartoum, suspicion has replaced confidence. Following a rebel attack on the capital last May, Sudan insinuated that France had provided satellite photos to guide rebel convoys from Darfur to Khartoum.

The Sudanese foreign minister Deng Alor flanked by presidential advisor Mustafa Osman Ismail will hold talks with French officials on Darfur and Sudan-Chad relations with French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner on Thursday 19 June and other presidential advisers and officials.

The visit was decided last month, following attack by Justice and Equality Movement against the Sudanese government in Khartoum, to clear confusion over French position on the current tension with Chad and push for reconciliation between the two neighboring countries.

Paris considers political stability in Chad implies settlement of Darfur conflict. French officials, who work closely with UN team in charge of Darfur file, need to know what exactly Khartoum can concede.

Two main rebel groups refuse to take part in Darfur peace negotiations before satisfaction of different preconditions.

(ST)