Darfur peace talks to start on Nov. 20 – minister

Oct 22, 2005 (KHARTOUM) — A senior Sudanese official announced Saturday that the next round of peace talks between the Sudanese government and rebel groups in the country’s western region of Darfur will start on Nov. 20.

Sudanese Minister of Culture and Sport Mohammed Yousif Abdallahtold reporters that the government is ready to seek a just peace in Darfur, urging rebel groups to work for peace in the war-torn region.

He appreciated efforts made by the African Union to seek ways to solve the Darfur problem.

Abdallah thanked the international community for pushing forward the negotiations, describing as “contributive” positive changes in stance of the international community toward the Darfurissue.

As for participation of the former rebel group Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM) in the next round of talks, the minister said contacts are underway for its direct representation.

He described the SPLM as a key partner in the national unity government.

The Sudanese government and rebel groups have held six rounds of negotiations in Abuja, Nigeria, to end a conflict which has left thousands dead and over 1 million displaced.

Renewed fighting in Darfur is undermining a ceasefire reached between the government and rebel groups in April 2004.

(Xinhua)