AU mediators hold consultations on humanitarian ceasefire in Darfur

Mar 21 2006 (ABUJA) — The African mediators yesterday evening held a consultations meeting with the Darfur rebels groups participating in Abuja talks on the Draft of the Enhanced Humanitarian Ceasefire Agreement (EHCA) to adopt it in the coming days.

The African Union Mediation, presented the EHCA to the Sudanese parties on 12 March, 2006, with a clear message that the existing momentum and constructive atmosphere should be translated into early conclusion of the discussions, and adoption of the Draft Agreement within days.

“The AU Mediation also underlined the positive impact, which the EHCA would have both on the ground in Darfur and on the on-going negotiations, which have now entered their final phase, bearing in mind that the African Union Peace and Security Council recently set 30 April 2006 as the deadline for conclusion of the Talks”, said Nourreddine Menzi, the AU spokesperson.

The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army, the Government of the Sudan and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) have since submitted their written responses to the Draft Agreement.

The Mediation had prepared with the aim to immediately bring to a stop the deteriorating security situation on the ground in Darfur, protect the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camps and create conducive conditions for the delivery of humanitarian assistance to the needy population.

After the bilateral consultations, the AU Mediation will convene a Plenary to formally submit the Document to the Sudanese Parties for final consideration and decision.

Several Special Envoys representing the International Partners have recently returned to Abuja, venue of the negotiations, including those of the UK, France and the European Union, while the League of Arab States is also being represented in Abuja at Ambassadorial level.

(ST)