Chad committed to improve relations with Sudan – Libya
April 11, 2007 (N’DJAMENA) — Chad’s President Idriss Deby Itno Wednesday pledged to improve relations with eastern neighbour Sudan following deadly border clashes, a Libyan mediator said.
“Chad is committed to improving and normalising relations with Sudan,” said Triki, who had been sent by Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi to try to get the fractious neighbours to mend fences after the latest upsurge in violence.
Triki’s visit comes two days after violent clashes between Chad and Sudanese forces across the increasingly volatile border between the two countries.
Sudan said 17 of its soldiers were killed in the fighting. Chadian officials said 30 were killed on both sides after its forces pursued rebels across the border and ran into regular Sudanese troops.
The Libyan government has tried to mediate between the two countries in recent months by posting Libyan monitors on the border and calling on both Chad and Sudan to respect agreements signed in Tripoli in 2006.
But the two countries routinely trade accusations; with Chad complaining that the Sudanese-backed Janjaweed militia raids villages near the border and Sudan accusing Chad of violating international agreements.
Triki, who was due to arrive in Sudan later Wednesday, however admitted that “there were certain steps that have to be taken” by the belligerents, adding that Deby and Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir should hold talks.
Sudan on Wednesday toned down a thinly veiled threat to retaliate, saying it was determined build bridges with Chad.
Foreign Minister Lam Akol said Khartoum was “firmly committed to finding a peaceful solution to this problem,” after talks with South African President Thabo Mbeki, who frequently plays a peacemaking role on the continent.
(AFP)