Sudanese Beja tribes not against deployment of peacekeepers-UN

KHARTOUM, May 13, 2005 (Sudan Tribune) — UN Peace Envoy to Sudan Jan Pronk has denied allegations that three leaders of Beja tribes are opposed to deployment of foreign peacekeeping forces in their region in eastern Sudan.

According to Alwan newspaper, He did this while addressing journalists at a press conference on the stand of these leaders.

He said the leaders were not at all opposed to the deployment of these forces, saying that they had only expressed fear that the deployment of these force might affect traditions and religious practices of the people, as well as their social fabric.

He said the UN respects this issue and observes it.

For his part, Shaikh Omar Sulayman Ali Pitay, the leader of Hamashkoreb Koranic schools in eastern Sudan — a region which lies within the stipulated region for the deployment of these international forces — totally objected to the deployment of the peacekeepers in Hamashkoreb region and expressing preservation concerning their deployment in other regions.

He said, “We object to the presence of foreign troops on any Sudanese territory, unless if their presence will promote peace.

He stressed that these forces if deployed should observe and respect traditions and norms of the people. “We will never accept any interference with traditions and religious institutions in the region,” he added.