JEM is prepared to engage in talks with Sudanese government – spokesperson
June 5, 2011 (DOHA) – The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) said it is ready to engage in negotiations with the Sudanese government after the adoption of a framework document for peace in Darfur by over 500 delegates at a stakeholders conference in Doha this week.
The rebel group welcomed the outcome of the All Darfur Stakeholders Conference held in Doha from 27 to 31 May stating that the framework text is a valid ground to start talks with the government of the ruling National Congress Party.
UN chief Ban-Ki-moon yesterday welcomed the outcome of the Doha meeting and urged the Sudanese parties to” to end hostilities without delay, sign a ceasefire and make the compromises necessary to reach a sustainable peace”.
“JEM hails the call of the UN Secretary General to the parties to make the concessions needed for the sake of peace in Darfur,” said the spokesperson of the rebel movement Gibreel Adam Bilal. He further revealed the arrival of a number of JEM commanders from Darfur adding that more negotiators are expected to arrive to Doha very soon.
“We will engage talks with full determination to reach a comprehensive peace agreement including the ceasefire and security arrangements,” he said.
The leader of the Liberation and Equality Movement (LJM) Tijani El-Sissi told the stakeholders conference that his movement is resolved to signing a peace agreement during the upcoming weeks. The two parties however have to reach a compromise over the post of vice-president, security arrangements and the referendum on Darfur administrative status.
Sudanese presidential assistant Nafie Ali Nafie last Friday ruled out that JEM and the Sudan Liberation Movement, led by Abdel Wahid Al-Nur, have a real determination to reach a peace agreement with Khartoum, stressing they want to use the conflict in Darfur as a means to topple down the regime.
JEM spokesperson told Sudan Tribune they hope that Khartoum shows a real desire to start negotiations based on the outcome of Darfur stakeholders conference.
“More than ever we are at the right time to reach a comprehensive agreement, especially the stakeholders conference recommended to achieve a comprehensive peace and to avoid a partial deal,” Gibreel said.
Khartoum and JEM stopped direct talks three weeks before the stakeholders meeting as the government thought the adoption of the peace document by the stakeholders meeting would force JEM to limit its demands.
(ST)