President Al-Bashir addresses meeting of Darfur leaderships

KHARTOUM, May 13, 2004 (SUNA) — President of the Republic Gen. Omer Al-Bashir has affirmed the government’s keenness to realize a lasting solution for Darfur issue.

Addressing a meeting with a number of Darfur’s leaderships in Khartoum including federal ministers at the Republican Palace Wednesday, President Al-Bashir affirmed that the government is giving priority to Darfur issue.

President Al-Bashir affirmed that the lasting solution for Darfur issue is in the hands of Darfur citizens, stressing that the government is with maintenance of security.

President Al-Bashir said the government has set the goal of returning the citizens to their areas before the rainy season, affirming providing them with security and basic needs.

The President pointed out that Darfur citizens has an important role in restoring the social fabric and overstepping bitterness caused by conflicts.

President Al-Bashir stressed the importance of collecting weapons from the citizens and that weapons should be confined to the government authorities to be responsible for security, welcoming any efforts in this connection.

Presidential Advisor Ali Hassan Taj-Eddin, on his part, affirmed that Darfur leaderships fully support the government to complete solution of Darfur issue, pointing out that a number of Darfur leaderships would visit Darfur states early next week to contribute to resolving Darfur issue by restoring the social fabric.