Sudan accuses Chad of fuelling Darfur conflict

Nov 23, 2005 (KHARTOUM) — In a new step towards deterioration of relations between the two countries, Sudan accused Chad of fuelling Darfur conflict and supporting rebel groups in the region, for the first time.

In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs,
Sudanese government presented a detailed report about the violations committed by the Chadian forces on the borders and within Sudanese territory.

Chad accused neighbouring Sudan on Sunday 20 November of deliberately trying to destabilise it by using Chadian army deserters who fled over the border to help fight rebels.

The statement said that the Sudanese government is committed to restraint and is seeking to overcome this crisis through a number initiatives which the Chadian government has not responded to.

Sudan has affirmed its commitment to normalizing the situation with Chad. It also reiterated its respect to the pledges it made to the AU and the international community on using dialogue as means of solving the Darfur crisis.

The statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs expressed great shock at the accusations being made by the Chadian government against Sudan which say that Sudan is trying to destabilize peace in Chad.

(ST)