Khartoum delegation says ready for Darfur peace talks
Nov 27, 2005 (KHARTOUM) — The Presidential Adviser and head of the government delegation for the negotiations with the armed movements of Dafur in Abuja, Majzoub al-Khalifah, has affirmed completion of the preparations of the delegation of the national unity government to make the coming session of negotiations, scheduled to begin on Tuesday 29 November, a conclusive one for realization of peace in Darfur.
In a statement to the state-run news agency SUNA following a meeting of his delegation in the Republican Palace Sunday 27 November, al-Khalifah (photo) said that the delegation includes all the parties of the national unity government.
He indicated that the meeting deliberated on the issues, which will be reviewed at the coming session of negotiations, adding that the government delegation will abide by the political statement of the higher committee which has stipulated the government commitment to all the agreements and protocols signed between the two parties.
Al-Khalifah called on the Darfur rebel groups to elevate the supreme interest of the country and the people of Darfur, rather than the personal interests.
He quoted the president Omar al-Beshir, as saying that nothing is tantamount to peace, and that all people shall work to realize unity, stability and progress.
He pointed out that al-Beshir has directed the participation of a the people’s delegation, that includes the dignitaries, civil society’s organizations and all the political spectrum in Darfur at the coming session of negotiation in Abuja, with the aim of boosting the official dialogue in Abuja.
Al-Khalifah said that the participation of the people’s delegation poses a positive message on the keenness of Darfur people, the whole nation and the government delegation are working together in full integration and harmony to reach peace in Darfur region.
He appreciated the trend of the President of Nigeria and Chairman of the African Union, Olusegun Obasanjo, to invite African Presidents to go to the negotiation premises and to urge the negotiating parties to speed up their efforts for reaching a final peace agreement.
He also commended the high level of responsibility which is being adopted by President Obasanjo in sponsoring the negotiations.
(ST)