African Union decision meets Sudan’s aspiration – FM
Mar 11, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — The Foreign Minister, Lam Akol, has described the African Union decision to extend the mission of African forces in Darfur for more six months as a gain to Sudan and met its aspiration.
In a press statement upon his return from Addis Ababa, the minister said that the decision of the Peace and Security Council of the African was a lesson to those who believed that the African Union can be remote controlled.
He pointed out that the decision has met Sudan demand for extending the mission of the African Union forces as well as the country’s rejection to arrival of any international forces in Darfur via the African Union.
Akol said that Sudan is not opposed to arrival of the United Nations after realization of peace in Darfur, such as the case in south Sudan. He hoped that peace can be achieved in Darfur before next April.
He stressed that Sudan maintains its right to decide whether to accept entry of UN forces or not, but not the African Union, adding that Sudan also maintains the right to determine conditions, time and number of forces that can arrive in Sudan.
He said that the most important part in the African Union’s decision was the extension of the African Union forces’ mandate in Darfur for more six months which shall end in next September, as well as the clause on the African Union’s initial agreement, which depends on Sudan approval, concerning transfer of the African Union’s mission in Darfur to the United Nations.
He explained that the African Union’s decision also dealt with the importance of reaching a peaceful solution, through Abuja negotiations, by the end of next April, and formation of a five – member committee, including Chairman of the African Union Commission to push ahead the peace talks between the government and Darfur rebel groups and to discuss with the government the ways to reach a lasting solution for Darfur crisis.
Meanwhile, the minister said that the address of Sudan before the Peace and Security Council of the African Union has reviewed the situation in Darfur and the stance of the government regarding the pending issues concerning the situation on the ground and the security and humanitarian conditions.
Akol has reiterated Sudan’s opposition to entry of international forces via the channel of the African Union. He affirmed Sudan appreciation of the efforts of the African Union mission in Darfur.
He stated that the government is embarked on contacts with a number of circles to attract funding for the African Union forces in Darfur for the coming period, such as contacts made lately by the First Vice – President, Salva Kiir, in Paris and the Second Vice- President, Ali Osman Mohamed Taha in Brussels.
The minister didn’t speak about Sudanese proposal of financing the AU force made ahead of the meeting of the AU Peace and Security Council.
(ST)