Eritrean president, Euopean envoy discuss Darfur peace process

April 8, 2007 (ASMARA) — President Isaias Afwerki and the Special EU Representative for Sudan, Pekka Haavisto on Eritrean mediation to end Darfur crisis on Saturday, the official Shabait reported.

In the meeting, the EU official said that his visit to Eritrea is motivated by the Eritrean government close familiarization with the Darfur issue and the role it is playing towards its resolution, as well as discuss EU’s role in the matter.

President Afwerki underscored that any party keen to play a role and promote a genuine solution must first have deep knowledge about the prevailing situation on the ground, besides making constructive contribution.

Stating that as Sudan borders 9 countries and the Red Sea and as developments in that country affects us and the region we are bound to play a role, he pointed out that Eritrea holds the view that the peace process should incorporate all the concerned parties.

Regarding EU’s role, the President indicated that it is expected to work as a partner acceptable to all the concerned parties. He underlined that the main actors should be the Sudanese and that the role of others is to help lay a conducive ground.

Haavisto told the press at the end of the meeting that the EU lauds Eritrea’s constructive role to resolve Sudanese problems, especially towards promoting the realization of the East Sudan Agreement.

He further explained that the continuation of such a role is significant as regards that Darfur issue. As such, the EU official expressed conviction that the Union’s coordination of its efforts with that of Eritrea besides exchanging information, would make due contribution in the process.

(Shabait)