African Union Konaré to visit Sudan’s Darfur Tuesday

June 19, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Alpha Oumar KONARE, leading a high- level delegation, will pay a working visit to Darfur from 20 to 22 June, 2006.

The visit, which follows the signature of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) in Abuja last May and the meeting with the members of UN Security Council (UNSC) in Addis Ababa, will be an opportunity for the Chairperson to assess the current situation on the ground, to review appropriate ways of implementing the DPA.

Also, Konaré will call on rebel groups which have not signed the DPA to adhere to the peace process.

Konare will exchange points of view with the AMIS leadership on the practical aspects of the transition to a UN peacekeeping mission, said the spokesperson of the African Union in Khartoum Noureddine Mezni.

Consideration of the security and humanitarian situation in Darfur as well as the visit of IDP’s camps are also on the programme.

In this regard, Konare will meet representatives of NGO’s operating in Darfur to discuss ways and means for enhancing the security and welfare of the populations living in these camps.

Meetings with Representatives of Civil Society will be organized with the view to secure the widest possible adhesion to the Darfur Peace Agreement.

The head of the AU executive body will seize the opportunity to pay tribute to the AMIS Troops for the work accomplished in maintaining peace and security in Darfur and for the daily support provided to the civilian populations in particular women and children.

(ST)