Sudan to focus on Darfur IDPs voluntary repatriation

July 23, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — Sudan reiterated on Monday its rejection to all attempts to trade in the issue of refugees in the country’s restive western region of Darfur.

President Omer al-Bashir voiced the rejection while addressing a huge mass rally in El-Ginaina, the capital city of West Darfur State, reported the official SUNA news agency.

Al-Bashir was quoted as affirming that the Sudanese government would focus on voluntary repatriation of the displaced people to their home villages after securing these areas and providing them with services.

He urged the local citizens to participate in securing their state in a view that security was necessary for development and provision of services.

“Despite the reports that show that the region has not witnessed any insecurity, the Western media still speak about alleged deterioration of security situation only for political propaganda,” the president denounced.

Al-Bashir called again on the rebel movements in Darfur to join the peace process and to contribute in the development of the region, highlighting the new development projects such as the International Airport in El-Geneina which will not only serve Darfur but also the neighboring countries.

Accompanied by cabinet ministers and senior officials, the Sudanese president arrived in Darfur on Saturday on a rare visit in the region.

On Sunday, the Sudanese Council of Ministers held its meeting in Fashir, the capital city of North Darfur State, to look into the developments in the region and ways to solving the Darfur issue.

(Xinhua)