British envoy discusses with Sudanese officials peace in Darfur

KHARTOUM, July 13, 2005 (KUNA) — British special envoy to Darfur Alan Goulty discussed with Sudanese officials on Wednesday methods of pushing forward the Abuja talks between the government and Darfur insurgents to sign a final peace agreement.

Goulty said in a statement to the press after meetings with government officials, including First Vice President John Garang, that he stressed his country’s concern over the situation in Darfur.

He added that the purpose of sending an envoy was to bring the opinions of the two sides participating in the Abuja talks closer, adding that he discussed with Garang the challenges which the new government faces with regard to troubled province of Darfur.

Goulty, his country’s former ambassador to Khartoum, played an important role in pushing for the peace agreement in the south which was signed last January.

Meanwhile, Sudan’s Foreign Minister-designate Mustafa Osman Ismael told reporters that it is still early to place a time and place for holding discussions with insurgents in eastern Sudan.

He said the government stood ready to engage in negotiations, adding that it is the government’s conviction that problems must be solved through dialogue and not violence.

The Sudanese government had announced in mid-February its agreement to engage in talks with the separatist Beja Congress and Free Lions insurgencies.

The two groups are demanding that eastern Sudan be accorded more development projects and for just distribution of authority and resources.