Khartoum refuses to negotiate with Darfur rebel group

KHARTOUM, Sept 29, 2004 (Xinhua) — The Sudanese government announced on Wednesday its refusal to resume negotiations with the Justice and Equality Movement which is suspected of having a role in a recently aborted coup plot.

“The movement is no longer a suitable participant in negotiations as it was involved in the recent coup attempt,” Sudanese State Minister of Foreign Affairs Najib el-Kheir said at a press briefing.

The Sudanese official also accused the rebel group of violating the ceasefire agreement reached in April.

The African Union-sponsored peace talks between the government and the two main rebel groups in Darfur, the Sudan Liberation Movement and the Justice and Equality Movement, in Abuja, Nigeria, broke down earlier this month over strong differences on security arrangements.

Kheir said the Sudanese government has informed the African Union of this attitude.

Sudan’s Interior Ministry announced Friday that its security forces foiled a plot by elements of the opposition Popular Congress party to overthrow the government.