Darfur JEM delegation in Washington discuss peace with US officials
January 8, 2009 (WASHINGTON) — The Darfur Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) in Washington met today with the US special envoy to Sudan and discussed with him efforts to resume stalled peace process.
Ahmed Hussein spokesperson for JEM told Sudan Tribune that the talks with Richard Williamson focused mainly on the peace process and humanitarian situation.
“We informed the US envoy that our strategic goal is achieving peace and stability in the region. We have no other interests as far as we are concerned” Hussein said.
“At the same time we told him that Khartoum must show seriousness in peace and cease all military activities and harassment of humanitarian work and displaced civilians alike” he added.
JEM started a week long visit to the US despite media reports in Khartoum that Washington postponed it.
The US embassy in Khartoum said that the visit “will take place within the context of U.S. government efforts to encourage all parties to participate in the Darfur peace process”.
Hussein said that Williamson encouraged them “to seize the window of opportunity for peace” including a Qatari initiative underway. Furthermore the US envoy told JEM that even though the venue of future talks would be Qatar, the Joint African Union- United Nations mediator Dijibril Bassole will play the leading role.
JEM also warned that some parties in Sudan may attempt to destabilize the situation further in Sudan following a possible arrest warrant by the International Criminal Court (ICC) against president Omer Hassan Al-Bashir.
The delegation also met with Timothy Shortley head of Sudan program group at the US state department where “constructive dialogue” was held. Hussein said.
Further meeting are scheduled on Friday with US assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Jendayi Frazer.
(ST)