AU condemns SLM Minawi for the killing of 2 AU peacekeepers

March 13, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — The African Union Mission In Sudan has requested the Senior Presidential aide, and leader of a Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) faction, Minni Minawi, to investigate the killing of two AU peacekeepers by his troops. The AU also condemned Minawi movement for the killing.

(ST)

Belo is the texte of a press release issued by AUMIS of this issue:

The Acting Special Representative of the AU Commission Chairperson (SRCC) Madam Monique Mukaruliza received today 12th March, 2007 at AMIS Headquarters the Chairman of SLM/A, Senior Assistant to the President and President of the Transitional Darfur Regional Authority (TDRA), Mr. Minni Minawi . She expressed to him AMIS strong indignation regarding the killing of two AU protection Force soldiers and the grievous wounding of a third one in Graida on 5th March, 2007 by gunmen believed to be SLM/A (Minni) elements.

The Ag.SRCC, in the presence of the AMIS Force Commander, Major- General Luke Aprezi, and other AMIS senior officers, told Mr. Minawi that the criminal acts committed in Graida were totally unacceptable adding that the perpetrators of this cowardly attack should be identified, arrested and brought to justice.

The Ag.SRCC also requested Mr. Minni Minawi to investigate other incidents which took place in Um Barro, Graida, and El Fasher involving SLA/M elements.

Mr. Minni Minawi pledged the commitment of his Movement to cooperate in the ongoing investigations in Graida to ensure that the criminals are apprehended and promised to take necessary action about the other incidents referred tom above.

13 March, 2007, Khartoum