Sudan determined to reach comprehensive solution in Darfur

ABUJA, Nigeria, June 10, 2005 (Sudan Tribune) — Majzoub al-Khalifa, the head of the government delegation to the Abuja talks between the Sudanese government and the Darfur rebel groups, has affirmed that the government was determined to reach a comprehensive solution to the Darfur problem.

Sudan’s Minister of Agriculture and chief negotiator, Majzoub al-Khalifa, addresses the fifth round of Darfur peace talks in Abuja, Nigeria, June 10, 2005. (Reuters).

At the opening session of the talks between the government and the Darfur rebel movements, which started in Abuja today, he said that the atmosphere was good to make the current round of talks be successful and to reach a final settlement to the problem in Darfur.

He lauded the role played by the African Union (AU) and its continuous efforts to resolve the problem in Darfur and also lauded the appointment of Salim Ahmed Salim as the chief mediator of the talks.

He went on to say that the security and humanitarian situations in Darfur had greatly improved thanks to the efforts of the Sudanese people and the concern and support of the international community.

He also said that the government had abided by the Ndjamena cease-fire agreement, as well as, the two Abuja protocols – security and humanitarian – and also cooperated with the joint-committee assigned to monitor the cease fire.

He pointed out that the government’s efforts to bring about a just solution to the problem as well as its efforts to reconcile the tribes.

He called on the rebel movements to take up direct and serious dialogue.

He hoped that a comprehensive solution would be reached in the current round of talks.

He also pointed out the dramatic changes Sudan was facing like the development boom as well as investment in Sudan.