American, European delegations end visit to western Sudan

KHARTOUM, Feb 14, 2004 (Sudan Tribune) — The European Union and US-AID delegations have ended their visit to Northern Darfur State to assess its security and humanitarian situations.

The governor of Northern Darfur State, Osman Yusuf Kibir, met the two delegations and confirmed the state enjoyed an overall security and stability.

The governor asked the EU delegation to support the state efforts during the stability period as well as give impetus to development and services projects.

Kibir also praised the tremendous efforts exerted by humanitarian organizations in the state.

He further said al-Beshir’s statement on the end of all military operations and the onset of development and reconstruction projects were the crucial steps to solve the Darfur issue.

President Beshir said Monday that the Darfur rebellion had been crushed, but a spokesman for one of three rebel groups insisted his fighters remained in position.

Sudan’s government has refused to take part in talks with rebels on February 14 and 15 in Geneva whihc were proposed by a Swiss non-governmental organisation and another European Darfur organisation.