Sudan SPLM wants to avoid confrontation over Darfur
Sept 1, 2006 (PARIS) – A leading member of the former rebel SPLM said his party do not want any confrontation with the international community over Darfur, he further added that SPLM works to bring the holdout rebels to sign the Darfur Peace Agreement.
The Chairman of the Parliamentary Group of SPLM, Yasir Arman, told Paris based Radio France Internationale that the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement as partner in the government of the National Unity want to avoid confrontation with the International community over Darfur.
“We are for a sort of understanding between our government and the international community,” Arman said.
He also indicated that SPLM works to find a formula that can allow the adhesion of groups opposed to the Darfur Peace agreement.
Sudanese government and the Minni Minawi led faction signed the African Union brokered Darfur Peace Agreement in Abuja on 5 May.
Arman who was in Asmara with the First Vice President to meet Darfur rebel groups, said the SPLM is ready to engage all the necessary efforts “in order to reach a comprehensive solution” in Darfur.
According to Arman there is no possible understanding with the international community over the role of the UN in Darfur without reaching an agreement that allows holdouts groups to join the DPA.
Unconfirmed report says that the SPLM could organize soon a series of meeting in southern Sudan for Darfur rebels to fix a joint position and after the movement will facilitate dialogue between them and the ruling National Congress Party for a compromise.
During his two-day visit to Asmara Salva Kiir met all the rebel groups. Sources said the even met Abdelwahid al-Nur the former leader of the Sudan Liberation Movement. “Kiir was very keen to lessen to every one”.
In accordance to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, the National Congress Party remains the “major partner” with 52% in the power sharing, while the SPLM represents just 28% in the government of the National Unity.
On the SPLM position over the UN forces in Darfur, the SPLM official reminded that the SPLM for the protection of the civilians in Darfur. He further added the SPLM has no problem with the UN, but the matter needs the acceptance of the whole government.
“So now, we need to work on an understanding within the whole government”.
According to Arman statement, the leadership of the SPLM has watered down its initial position in favor of the UN forces in Darfur. The movement prefers to work as an intermediary with the rebels and the National Congress. In the same time, it adopts a similar position on the international level.
Last March before the signing of the DPA, Taha and Salva kiir had the same position on the issue of the international force in Darfur. Both pledged to work for an understanding over the UN force in Darfur.
(ST)