Sudan FM affirms government keenness to achieve peace in Darfur

KHARTOUM, April 13, 2004 (SUNA) — The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mustafa Osman Ismail, said that the recent signing in Ndjamena of the agreement on ceasefire and protocol on delivery of humanitarian aid in Darfur affirmed the government keenness on peace realization.

The minister referred to the agreement of Abache, Chad, which was signed last September, as well as the decrees of President Al-Bashir on general amnesty.

Presenting a statement before the National Assembly Tuesday, the minister expressed the appreciation and thanks of Sudan government and people to the sister Chad and its President, Idris Deby, over his efforts to make the negotiations a success.

The Minister explained that the government responsibilities are to maintain national security, protecting citizens and guarantee the flow of humanitarian aid to the needy in a manner that does not violate Sudan sovereignty.

Dr. Ismail announced establishment of a forum, comprising UN agencies and representatives of international voluntary organizations and donors which meets regularly at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to review and remove difficulties that face the delivery of humanitarian aid to the affected citizens in Darfur.

The Minister affirmed that the government will press ahead in tackling the issue of humanitarian aid in full transparency and in a way which asserts the higher interests of the country.