UN urges Darfur rebels to abide by ceasefire

September 26, 2007 (KHARTOUM) — The United Nations urged on Wednesday rebels in the western Sudanese region of Darfur to abide by a ceasefire as preparations were undergoing for the resumption of peace negotiations.

“Both the UN and the African Union have been saying that a cessation of hostilities is an utmost priority and a key requirement not only to help improve situation of the people on the ground and alleviate the suffering of the people of Darfur, but to ensure a viable environment for the talks,” said Radhia Achouri, the spokesperson of the UN Mission in Sudan.

“You can not negotiate and continue to fight on the ground. All parties have to abide by a cessation of hostilities,” the spokesperson added.

She reiterated that the issue of Darfur could only be resolved around a negotiation table and one of the basic requirements of the negotiations was for all sitting at opposing ends of the table not to carry on with fighting.

“You can not have the guns talking at the same time when you are engaged in negotiations,” she noted.

Khalil Ibrahim, leader of the rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) claimed recently that he would continue fighting the government forces during the upcoming negotiations, which will be held in the Libyan capital of Tripoli on October 27.

Invitations to those who will be participating in the negotiations have not been sent out yet.

In preparation for the peace talks, UN and AU mediators are carrying out more consultations with the parties concerned on the format of the negotiations and other issues.

Special Envoy of the United States for Darfur Andrew Natsios arrived in Khartoum on Wednesday on a ten-day visit in Sudan during which he will hold meetings with Sudanese officials on the situation in Darfur.

(Xinhua)