Egypt, Libya discuss Sudan’s Darfur crisis

Oct 11, 2006 (CAIRO) — Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit discussed Wednesday with Ali al-Treiki, head of African affairs department at the Libyan foreign ministry, on Sudan’s Darfur crisis.

The meeting dwelt on efforts to find a way out of the current Darfur crisis and alternatives to help achieve an agreement between Sudan and the UN Security Council on peacekeeping missions in the region, said the statement.

Efforts have been exerted to realize a compromise as soon as possible with the aim of establishing security in Darfur, it said, adding that both Egypt and Libya are keen on maintaining the unity of Sudan.

On Tuesday, Abul Gheit called on the Sudanese government and the United Nations to hold dialogues on Sudan’s strife-torn western region of Darfur.

Abul Gheit made the call while meeting with the European Union (EU) envoy to Sudan Pekka Haavisto and briefed him on Egypt’s vision of the latest developments as to Darfur crisis, the official news agency MENA reported.

Egypt’s vision is in favor of giving an opportunity for dialogue between Khartoum and the United Nations in a bid to reach a mutual understanding that would help in restoring peace and stability in Darfur as soon as possible, Abul Gheit said.

The UN Security Council passed a resolution on Aug. 31 calling for the deployment of over 20,000 international peacekeepers to replace the 7,800 African Union forces in Darfur after gaining consent from Sudan.

However, the Sudanese government has rejected the mission transfer, saying it was a violation of Sudan’s sovereignty and an effort by the West to colonize the African oil producing country.

Egypt has been firmly supporting Sudan’s stance on the deployment of UN forces, insisting any deployment should first get approval from the Sudanese government.

(Xinhua)