Sudan: Peace in Darfur is complementary to S. Sudan peace deal

Ministry of Foreign Affairs

1. The government of the Sudan reaffirms that the attainment of peace in Darfur is a strategic obligation stemming from its commitment to stability, security, and development in all parts of the country. It believes that peace in Darfur is an essential element complementary to the signing of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the adoption of the Interim National constitution.

2. The government reiterates its readiness to continue negotiation in the coming round of the Abuja talks in a serious manner in the spirit of national responsibility with the objective of making it the final round leading to Peace.

3. The government confirms its commitment to continue cooperation with all parties that work for peace in Darfur. It expresses appreciation for the efforts exerted by the African Union. The role of President Obasanjo who is undertaking tireless efforts to remove the obstacles on the road to peace deserves very special appreciation. This is also an opportunity to register a special note of thanks for the people and government of sisterly Nigeria. Thanks and appreciation also go to professor Alpha Omer Conary, Chairman of the commission, to his special envoy to the peace talks Dr. Salim A. Salim and all those in the AU who work for peace in Darfur.

4. The government expresses happiness at the support of the international community, the UN, the Secretary General, his special Representative and all the observers and facilitators for the peace effort. It values in particular the contribution of those governments and NGOs that actively support the AU in its mission. The humanitarian efforts and contributions of governments and NGOs are also greatly appreciated. Special mention is made of Canadian Government’s provision of logistic support, in particular the APCs needed by the AU in accordance with the understanding between the two governments.

5. Thanks also go to Libya, Chad and the Arab League for their attachment to the peace effort.

6. The government reconfirms its full abidance by all the agreements reached with the other parties to the conflict. It reiterates its complete abidance by the ceasefire agreement. In this connection the government expresses once more its appreciation for the role of the AU in supervising the ceasefire. Government cooperation in this area shall continue undiminished. However, the government strongly believes that for the ceasefire to succeed, it is essential that all parties should abide by it unreservedly. The armed movements are called upon to confirm this and to stick to it in the strictest sense.

7. The government shall continue the efforts to redress and further improve the humanitarian situation in cooperation with all parties, in addition to its ongoing efforts in the area of tribal reconciliation and the creation of the required conditions for peaceful coexistence between all citizens of Darfur.

8. Regarding the coming round of Abuja talks the government calls for the following: ?
– The parties and the mediation team should enable the three committees to immediately start their work from the first day in session and to work simultaneously to guarantee the best use of time, and demonstrate the seriousness of the negotiation. ?
– Negotiation should proceed according to the terms of reference agreed upon and embodied in the DOP, the Joint communiqué signed by the parties on October 20, 2005 plus the agreements already signed by the parties and bind them, the African summit decisions and resolutions and the African Peace and Security Council recommendations plus the INC, and the CPA. ?
– The role of observes and facilitators should be more proactive in a way that can expedite the peace accord.

9. The strength of the Government’s commitment to peace is further demonstrated by the recent establishment of the High Level Committee on Darfur chaired by the President with membership including the First Vice President and the Vice President plus some ministers and other senior state officials. It is envisaged that this high level mechanism shall provide not only serious and in-depth consideration of issues but shall provide the required momentum for peace.

10. In further confirmation for its keenness to make Abuja VII a success, the Government has decided to confirm the full mandate of its delegation. It expresses satisfaction at the fact that the delegation shall be fully representative of the Government of National Unity. The government shall also provide for the presence in Abuja of representatives of Darfur society including tribal leaders to further augment and consolidate the momentum for peace.”