Chad is ready for dialogue with Sudan – FM
June 30, 2006 (PARIS) — Chad said it is ready to hold talks with Sudan on the pending issue within the frame of Tripoli signed between the neighbouring countries; repeating accusation that Sudan dishonoured the signed agreement.
In a statement to Radio France Internationale, the Chadian Foreign minister, Ahmat Allam-Mi, expressed readiness of his government to engage talks with Sudan to resolve peacefully difference between the two countries.
“We are ready for dialogue with the Sudanese delegation in the framework of the Tripoli Agreement. We still maintain the same position. We are disheartened by what is happening and we have referred the matter to the UN Security Council”, Allam-Mi said
“I would like to assure you that since 8 February until now, Chad has respected its pledges. It is rather Sudan that has been in violation of the same. The problem should now be resolved using peaceful means”, he further added.
Chad and Sudan trade accusation of transgressing Tripoli agreement. Chad says Sudan continues to support Chadian rebel groups while Khartoum says N’djamena refused to deploy military observers though long the border as it is agreed.
Chad broke off diplomatic relations with Sudan on Friday 14 May, a day after an attack on N’Djamena by rebel forces seeking to topple president Deby, who says they are actively supported by president Beshir’s regime.
On 14 June Sudanese Foreign minister asked France to mediate with Chad assuring Paris his readiness to respect Tripoli deal. He also denied any support to the Chadian rebels.
Chad on Tuesday 21 June accused Sudan of cross-border attacks and urged the Security Council to meet over its neighbor’s alleged “aggression and destabilization.”
The Chadian complaint letter was written days after a high-level U.N. Security Council mission visited the two countries and saw how the three-year conflict in Sudan’s vast western Darfur region had spilled across the border into Chad and threatened to destabilize the subregion.
Allam-Mi said to RFI that his country is not satisfied with the AU’s style to deal with conflict
“I think the African Union is facing real difficulties; it has its problems; it is doing what it can; it has its limits and it is true that we are sometimes not satisfied with the AU’s style of working and we are saying it loud and clear. That does not mean that we have no confidence in our African organization”.
Darfur will be one of the main topics Saturday1 July and the day after at the AU summit in Banjul, Gambia. This is a tragedy that the organization fears may escalate into a regional issue, particularly the risk of a conflict erupting between Chad and Sudan.
(ST)