Khartoum poised to conclude next round of Darfur talks

KHARTOUM, July 19, 2005 (Xinhua) — Head of the Sudanese government’s delegation to Darfur peace talks Majzoub al-Khalifa reaffirmed on Tuesday Khartoum’s determination to make the next round of talks conclusive.

Head of the Sudanese government’s delegation to Darfur peace talks Majzoub al-Khalifa.

Khalifa told the official SUNA news agency that it is important to seek an atmosphere conducive to the success of the upcoming talks due on Aug. 24 in the Nigerian capital Abuja.

He said the declaration of principles signed between delegations of the Sudanese government and two Darfur rebel groups on July 5 as the basis of a peaceful solution to the conflict was important, adding it would push forward the upcoming talks.

Khalifa pointed out that the declaration would help in handling humanitarian issues, ensuring a ceasefire and laying the basis for realizing peace in Darfur.

He said efforts that have been exerted by Khartoum to achieve reconciliation among tribes in Darfur would help secure stability there.

Meanwhile, Khalifa appreciated a role by the African Union and efforts by its top mediator Salim Ahmed Salim in the last round of talks to bring the two conflicting sides closer, commending regional and international efforts to push forward the final round of talks.

Many people have been killed since rebels took up arms against the government in February 2003, accusing Khartoum of neglect.