AL chief hopes Darfur summit will lead to resumption of negotiations

TRIPOLI, May 16, 2005 (MENA) — Arab League Secretary-General Amr Musa has expressed hope the six-way summit on Darfur to open later in the day in Tripoli, would lead to the resumption of negotiations between Khartoum and Darfur rebels.

In press statements here Sunday night, he said the League together with the African Union were co-working to solve the problem.

Both bodies follow one policy agreed upon between them and with the UN, he said.

The Arab League’s mission was the first to arrive in Darfur when the problem first started, he said.

He added the situation in Darfur makes it incumbent on African countries to rally ranks so as to find a solution.

We should give Sudan a chance to develop, make progress and find a solution to the problem as soon as possible, he said.

On views that there should be an international interference on the crisis, he said the Arab League and the African Union believe the crisis should be solved through Arab-African solidarity with the UN.

Any forces to deploy in Darfur should first obtain the agreement and understanding of Khartoum, he noted.

There are already African forces and Arab monitors in Darfur, he said.

Commenting on reports that the Justice and Equality Movement and the Sudan Liberation Movement have agreed to resume negotiations with Sudan he said this is what should happen.

Musa arrived here Sunday night to take part in the six-way summit on Darfur to be attended by Chad, Egypt, Eritrea Libya, Nigeria and Sudan.