Darfur rebel groups want Sudan’s SPLM participation in peac talks

Oct 2, 2005 (ABUJA) — The two Darfur rebel groups, Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) and Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) have reiterated their condition that they would only continue with the Abuja talks if a Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) delegation participated.

The rebel movements said they considered the government delegation currently negotiating with them in Abuja, as only representing the Islamist National Congress (NC).

Speaking to the Khartoum based Al-Ayam, the spokesman for the SLM delegation, Ismail Omar said there was no point negotiating with the NC in the absence of the other partner in the Government of National Unity (GNU). “The continuation of negotiations is dependent on the arrival of the SPLM delegation to guarantee the implementation of what is agreed upon” he said.

In this regard, the official spokesman for the SPLM, Yasir Arman, called on the GNU to adopt a unified position and a road map so as to resolve the problem as soon as possible.

He further pointed out that the SPLM had good relations with the rebel groups and mediators.

Meanwhile the deputy at the Foreign Ministry, Mutref Sideiq, said the government would change its delegation to include SPLM representatives.

(ST)