Sudanese politicians water down call for self-rule in Darfur

KHARTOUM, Oct 23, 2004 (MENA) — Sudanese politicians Saturday downplayed a call for offering self-rule to Darfur provinces, pointing out that the region only needs allocation of a budget for development and reconstruction.

In statements to MENA, the politicians asserted the success of the five-way summit recently held in the Libyan city of Sirte on Darfur, which involved the heads of state of Egypt, Sudan, Libya, Chad and Nigeria.

They voiced belief that it has given momentum to negotiations to be held between the government and Darfur rebels in Abuja, Nigeria.

Abdallah Safi-al-Nour, a minister without portfolio, said Darfur does not need self-rule but rather the promotion of the federal rule stipulated in protocols signed between the government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement.

He asserted that the five-way summit has realized a common understanding among African leaders of the problem of Darfur, which would terminate any wrong or distorted information. He criticized statements by Darfur rebels which describe the summit’s resolutions as biased to the government.

He pointed out that the rebels groups included some leaders who do not wish to reach a solution to the Darfur problem.