SLM/JEM say Sudan’s Taha adopts a rigid position in Darfur peace talks

April 14, 2006 (ABUJA) — Both the Sudanese and world public opinion have been following closely the visit of H.E. Ousman Mohammad Taha, Vice President of the Republic of the Sudan to the Venue of the Inter-Sudanese Peace Talks in Abuja. The visit has come against the background of the deadlock experienced in the negotiations in the past days. Hopes were high that the Vice President would come up with proposals to salvage the negotiation process. However, the visit has so far proved to be rather disappointing. The Vice President simply stated the same views and positions as had already been presented by the Government delegation, despite the assurances he had given to the leadership of the Movements at the various meetings held between the two Sides. He had intimated that he came to Abuja with full powers to unravel the areas of difference between the Parties. However, we are utterly surprised that he has adopted a rigid political position that does not allow for any compromise.

He has said in unequivocal terms that there would be no Vice-President, no Region and no compensations; emphasizing that this was the final position as far as they are concerned. It is crystal clear that the Vice President has suddenly backtracked from his previous position which he had voiced to the hearing of the whole world. This only goes to show that the Government has been capitalizing on the recent security and political developments in the region, on which the Government delegation has also continued to rely on for its negotiating tactics that is already on the verge of failure. Furthermore, it underlines the lack of seriousness on the part of the Government, whose stance lacks credibility and therefore cannot be trusted.

Given the aforesaid, the two Movements hold the view that the Vice-President’s visit has brought nothing new.

We call upon the AU, the Mediators, and the international and regional partners to intervene, as a matter of urgency, to save the peace process from collapse. Pressure must be brought to bear on the Government to put an end to this unacceptable and persistent drama, thereby bringing to an end the suffering of our people in Darfur.

Victory is Ours!

Glory and Eternity to our Martyrs.

Signed

– By Saifuddin Saleh Haroun,
Spokesperson/Chairman, Information Committee
SLM/A

– Ahmad Hussein ,
Spokesperson of JEM delegation