Sudan reiterates full rejection of UN resolution 1706
Oct 1, 2006 (KHARTOUM) — Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir has reiterated his country’s full rejection of UN Security Council resolution 1706 calling for the deployment of UN forces in Darfur region, the official SUNA news agency reported on Sunday.
Al-Bashir reiterated the position Saturday evening during his meeting with visiting European Commission president Jose Manuel Barroso, who arrived in Khartoum earlier on a two-day visit, according to the report.
Al-Bashir reaffirmed the need for supporting the African Union forces to continue their mission of keeping security and stability in Darfur as stipulated by the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA).
In a press statement issued after the meeting, the European Commission president said the commission was concerned with Darfur crisis, referring to efforts being exerted by the commission to resolve the issue through constructive political dialogue.
Barroso asserted endeavors being exerted by the commission to find solution to the current situation in Darfur, and transferring mandate of the African Union in Darfur to a United Nations mission.
He said his commission supports efforts aimed at fully implementing the DPA and to deliver relief to the war-affected population in the region.
The EU official described his talks with the Sudanese president as fruitful, especially regarding the Darfur situation and the implementation of the DPA.
The African Union peacekeeping mandate in Darfur, which expired on Saturday, has been extended to December 31.
The UN Security Council adopted resolution 1706 on Aug. 31 calling for the deployment of more than 20,000 international peacekeepers to replace the 7,800 AU forces in Darfur.
But the Sudanese government has rejected the mission transfer, saying it was a violation of Sudan’s sovereignty and an effort by the West to re-colonize the African oil producing country.
(Xinhua/ST)