Rebel leader urges AU envoy to condemn violence in Darfur

August 14, 2007 (LONDON) — The leader of the rebel Sudan Liberation Movement has invited the African Union envoy for Darfur to join calls upon Sudan government to stop violence and attacks against civilians.

The African Union envoy Salim Ahmed Salim called on the “reluctant” rebel leader to join the political process ahead of peace talks with the Sudanese government. He praised the efforts of Darfur’s rebel groups to unify their stance earlier this month at a meeting in Arusha, Tanzania.

Al-Nur said he is sad to the insensibility of African envoy for Darfur towards the ongoing violence on the ground. “Since Abuja all what he does is to address warnings and balms to the rebels. We urge him to call on Khartoum publicly to stop massacring Darfur people.” Al-Nur said.

The SLM leader said the SLM would not accept to negotiate while Khartoum continues its attacks to achieve its military solution. “We do not want to repeat Abuja again.” He said.

Al-Nur refused to participate in Arusha meeting. He demands that Sudan has to respect the 2004 ceasefire accord and attacks against civilians before peace talks. He also wants the deployment of the international troops in Darfur to protect the civilians.

Salim was speaking to reporters on Tuesday after a meeting at the pan-African body’s Addis Ababa headquarters.

The U.N. Security Council last month authorized up to 19,555 military personnel and 6,432 civilian police, which would be the world’s largest peacekeeping force.

The agreement came after lengthy negotiations with Sudan, in part over the composition of any force sent into its western region to try to end four years of conflict.

(ST)