Sudanese official says Darfur peace deal by end April

April 20, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — The president’s advisor and the secretary of political communication at the ruling National Congress, Mustafa Osman Ismail, has expressed optimism that a peace deal would be signed in Abuja at the end of the current month to end the conflict in Darfur region.

In a press statement today, Mustafa revealed that negotiations between the government and the armed groups in Darfur is going on well stressing that a peace deal would be reached soon.

He also stressed the commitment of the National Congress party to implement any peace agreement which may be signed, bearing in mind that the Darfur crisis is a threat to national security.

The presidential advisor also accused the Chadian government of allowing the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) to attack the Sudanese embassy and its staffs in Ndjamena.

He said the presence of Khalil Ibrahim and his group in Njamena is enough evidence that the Chadian government supports the Darfur rebels.

(ST)