AU mediators present security arrangement for Darfur peace
April 23, 2006 (ABUJA) — African mediators presented yesterday night the draft of security agreement to the Sudanese parties saying that it reflects the concerns and positions expressed during the talks.
The AU Mediation, yesterday, presented to the Sudanese Parties – GoS, SLM/A and JEM – the “Final Status Security Agreement for Darfur”, at a late night Plenary Session of the Security Arrangements Commission chaired by Ambassador Sam B. Ibok.
In presenting the Document to the parties, Ambassador Ibok indicated that the proposed text reflects a careful balance of the concerns and positions expressed by the different parties, and concludes the proposals of the Mediation on the “Enhanced Ceasefire Agreement” previously submitted to the Parties on 6 April 2006.
He appealed to all sides to seriously consider the Document in all serenity and to submit written and oral reaction to the Mediation by Monday 24 April 2006, to facilitate the negotiations on a final peace package that would incorporate the proposals on Power and Wealth Sharing.
In the interim, Ambassador Ibok strongly urged the Sudanese parties to exercise maximum restraint and to refrain from making statements in the media which do not help the negotiations.
He acknowledged that the ongoing consultations between the Sudanese Vice-President and the rebel movements have the potential to facilitate an early agreement in Abuja, said the AU spokesperson for the talks Noureddine Mezni.
He however, warned that time was of the essence as the AU mediation would strive to meet the deadline of 30 April set by the AU Peace and Security Council for the negotiations to conclude a Comprehensive Peace Package.
Earlier, the Coordinator of the Security Arrangements Commission General Chris Garuba, made a brief presentation on the Document which provides for the disarmament of the Janjaweed; the Integration of former rebels into the Sudan Armed Forces and other National Security Institutions; their Assembly, Disarmament and Demobilization; and their Social and Economic Reintegration, among others issues..
(ST)