US Congressman discusses Sudan peace implementation and Darfur process

August 5, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — The visiting US Congressman Keith Ellison today held talks with the Sudanese officials on the implementation of 2005 peace agreement and the ongoing efforts to settle Darfur crisis.

Ellison, who is a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, met on Wednesday with the Vice President Ali Osman Taha, Presidential Assistant Nafi Ali Nafi and Presidential Adviser, Ghazi Salah Eddin who is in charge of US relations and Darfur file.

During a meeting with Vice President Taha, the Congressman discussed the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) and the recent Abyei arbitration ruling. They also discussed the bilateral relations between the two countries.

Meanwhile, the visiting lawmaker was briefed by Mr. Nafi on efforts conducted by the government since Abuja peace agreement to end the armed conflict in Darfur. The meeting was also attended by the Presidential Adviser Mustafa Osman Ismail.

Before his departure, Ellison said he would discuss the humanitarian situation in Darfur. He had been arrested last April in a protest in front of the Sudanese Embassy in Washington against the expulsion of 13 aid groups from Sudan last March.

With, Mr. Ghazi Salah Eddin, the talks where focused on the shaky bilateral relations and the lift of US economic sanctions.

Following the meeting, Ghazi speaking to reporters appreciated Ellison’s visit saying as there are still some circles in the US Congress opposed to the improvement of bilateral relations, the arrival of the US Congressman will allow him to assess the real situation on the ground.

Ellison should visit North Darfur tomorrow where he would meet the UNAMID leadership and visit IDPs camps. He would conclude his five-day visit by a trip to Juba for talks with First Vice President Salva Kiir on the CPA implementation.

(ST)