Eritrean, Libyan leaders discuss Darfur peace talks

October 9, 2007 (TRIPOLI) — Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki and the Libyan leader Muammar Gadhafi discussed the forthcoming peace talks set to begin with two weeks in Libya in a bid to end the four conflict in western Sudan.

Afwerki who arrived yesterday to Tripoli, discussed with Gadhafi the ongoing efforts to bring rebel groups to attend Darfur peace talks scheduled on 27 October in Sirte 450 km northwest of Tripoli.

The two leaders also exchanged views on the stance of the two countries concerning regional and international agendas.

Libyan authorities work hard to ensure the success of Darfur negotiations.

The Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak was in Tripoli at the end of September to discuss ways to render Darfur talks a success the two parties said.

Also Sudanese presidential advisor Mustafa Osman Ismail left Tripoli yesterday after talks with Libyan officials on the preparations of the peace talks.

On the other hand, different Darfur rebel groups said that Libyan authorities undertaking contacts and exerting pressures to ensure the participation of the rebels in the negotiations.

Khalil Ibrahim the chairman of Justice and Equality Movement threatened to boycott the talks if more than Sudan Liberation Movement and his group are invited to attend talks with Khartoum.

While Abdelwahid al-Nur, the founder leader of the SLM rejects the ongoing peace process requesting security for Darfur civilians and wants another venue for the talks. He says Libya is not a neutral party.

(ST)