Sudan defence minister and UNAMID head pledge cooperation on Darfur

January 27, 2010 (KHARTOUM) – Sudan’s defence ministry and the AU-UN peacekeeping mission (UNAMID) pledged today to work together to implement peace and security in the restive region of Darfur

The new head of the joint peacekeeping mission in Darfur, Ibrahim Gambari, met today with the Sudanese minister of defence Gen. Abdelrahim Mohamed Hussein as part of his meetings with government officials.

Gambari praised the warm welcome he received from the Sudanese officials since his arrival last Friday 22 January. He assured to do his best to meet their expectations, particularly in promoting the attainment of a durable peace and security in Darfur, said the UNAMID spokesperson Noureddine Mezni.

“I shall do my best to work for the implementation of UNAMID’s mandate in a very impartial, fair and transparent manner,” Gambari said.

The meeting was attended from the Sudanese side by Lieutenant General Magzoub Rahma, Head of the General Directorate of International Relations and Ambassador Mohammed Abdullah Idris, Head of the Peace Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Gambari was accompanied by his deputy Henry Anyidoho and Director of Political Affairs Abiodun Bashua.

The Sudanese Minister of Defence assured the new head of the hybrid peacekeeping operation of the trust and full support of the Sudanese government as he takes up his new charge, saying “We will do everything to be helpful for this mission, which is very important for the peace in Darfur.”

Gambari met last Sunday in Khartoum with the state minister for foreign affairs Elsamani Alwasila and the Ministry’s undersecretary, Mutrif Siddiq, to formally announce his arrival in Sudan and assumption of duty. He also reviewed the humanitarian, political and security aspects of the situation in Darfur.

The two officials further discussed the ongoing normalization process between Sudan and Chad as they are expected to deploy border patrols to monitor the joint border next month. They “promised to work closely in facilitating the full implementation of the agreement between the brotherly countries,” Mezni said.

Gambari will meet on Thursday more government officials before leaving for Addis Ababa on Friday to attend the AU summit and hold consultations with AU Commission leadership.

(ST)