Peace talks between Khartoum and Darfur rebels to resume in september

Aug 22, 2005 (Khartoum) — The UN has set early next month the resumption of African Union-sponsored peace talks between the Khartoum government and rebels in Darfur, due in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, press reports showed here Monday.

Al-Anbaa newspaper quoted Radhia Ashouri, spokesperson of UN mission here, as saying the UN agreed to postpone the negotiations in line with a recommendation by Jan Pronk, UN secretary general’s special representative for Sudan.

Ashouri expressed hope peace negotiations would stick to UN framework.

The Sudan Liberation Movement, one of the rebel movements in Darfur, requested the delay of peace talks to finalize some structural matters.

The Sudanese government and the rebels in Darfur signed a declaration of principles last month, paving way for peace in the province that is witnessing armed conflict since February 2003.

The conflict killed over 70,000 people and displaced over 1.5 million others.

KUNA/ST