African Union seeks international support to Darfur deal
May 17, 2006 (ADDIS ABABA) — AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, Ambassador Saïd Djinnit, met yesterday with the representatives of the AU Partners in Addis Ababa to seek their support in the implementation of the decision adopted by the Peace and Security Council (PSC), on 15 May 2006.
The Commissioner informed the Partners of the steps being taken by the AU to ensure the timely and scrupulous implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) signed in Abuja on 5 May 2006.
Djinnit also indicated that, since its signing, the AU has been receiving statements and communications from several groups, including elements of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) and the Sudan Liberation Movement/Army (SLM/A) group of Mr. Abdelwahid al Nur, expressing support to the DPA.
The Commissioner stated that the AU welcomes all expressions of support to the DPA and shall consider, at the appropriate time, mechanisms to associate these elements to its implementation. In the meantime, the AU encouraged them to persuade their leadership to sign the DPA by 31st May 2006.
On their part, the Partners reiterated their support to the efforts being made by the AU and their determination to do everything possible to contribute to the implementation of the PSC decision and the DPA.
In this respect, they stressed the need for the groups that have not yet signed the DPA to do so before the expiration of the deadline of 31st May 2006 set by the PSC.
The Parties confirmed their willingness to provide AMIS with the requisite support to enable the Mission to fully discharge its mandate, in light of the provisions of the Comprehensive Ceasefire and Final Security Arrangements, as contained in the DPA, and the decision of the PSC.
(ST)