SLA–Unity Command explains why it boycotts Darfur talks

With reference to the decision of the leadership of Unity Command not to participate in the Sirte meetings today, 27 October 2007, under the auspices of the UN and AU, along with states of the Regional Initiative, and hosted by Libya – we would like to point to the following:

At the Arusha preparatory meetings in early August we had requested that the UN and AU allow the Darfur armed movements time to consult and arrive at one joint delegation with a common negotiating position. Unfortunately this was never facilitated and later, in our Statement dated 8 October 2007, we had warned against the dangers of neglecting this request. Moreover, participation in any negotiations presupposes particular criteria that, in the present meeting, remain unclear. Accordingly, it does not seem logical or useful to attend such a meeting that is deprived of the basic organizational prerequisites.

Upon the sudden UN-AU announcement of the date and venue of the meeting, Unity leadership had requested a postponement that went totally ignored.

On the basis of the above listed facts and disregard for our request for postponement, Unity Command did not perceive any meaning in participating in any meetings prior to finalizing all pending issues related to representation, negotiating positions and internal organizational issues that would allow a minimum of consensus regarding the objectives of such meetings.

The above represents the position of SLA-Unity Command, regardless of coinciding with any positions of other groups.

We take this opportunity to express our deep appreciation to President Moammar Gadhafi and the heads of state of the Regional Initiative, Eritrean President Isaias Afewerki, and President of Chad Idris Deby, for their efforts in resolving the Darfur crisis, as well as other major Sudanese problems. Similarly, we are grateful for the efforts made by the UN and the AU.

Once again, our position regarding the Sirte meetings has arisen out of the objective conditions internal to our organization and has no relationship whatsoever with any presumed boycott to Libya or the meeting organizers. It is a principled position of the Unity Leadership with no links with other parties’ views, even if such views may appear to be equivalent, this is sheer coincidence.

The Revolutionary Struggle Continues. Victory to the Marginalised Masses.

Signed,
Dr. Sharif Harir,
Head of Negotiations and Foreign Relations.