US envoy, SLM leader discuss Darfur force and peace process
April 14, 2008 (PARIS) — The US special Envoy to Sudan, discussed with Sudan Liberation Movement founder leader the deployment of peacekeeping troops and international efforts for a comprehensive settlement to Darfur crisis.
Al-Nur who described the meeting as “very constructive” told Sudan Tribune that the meeting discussed US efforts to speed up the deployment of the international troops in the region.
The security situation has dramatically deteriorated in the region despite the official take over of the hybrid force since last January, the rebel leader said.
“While we relentlessly repeating our demand for the conflict suspension the government and its militias continue to wage attacks and practice the conflict escalation policy,” he said.
Janjaweed attacks against El-Fasher inhabitants, Nyala and Korma, the killing of local chief in Kalma camp of IDPs, the bombing of last week in Jebel Marra “all these attacks are just a repetition of what happened last month, last year; or yesterday nothing new and nothing changed” he added.
The rebel leader said the meeting discussed Bush Administration efforts to support the effective deployment of the 26000 troops on the ground because it will help to change the course of “this tragic situation.”
In a letter to U.N. Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon early April, U.S. Presidential Envoy for Darfur Richard Williamson, urged the UN chief to deploy more 3,600 new African troops by June. Also, Washington pledged $100 million to train and equip peacekeepers to be deployed as part of the U.N.-AU mission in Darfur, known as UNAMID.
Only 9,000 of the required 26,000 international troops and police have been deployed in Darfur. Western governments have blamed Khartoum for the slow pace of deployment, saying it has dragged its feet in approving the composition of the force and set up unnecessary obstacles.
Al-Nur also said the meeting discussed the ongoing efforts to engage the political process to end the conflict. “We explained our vision in this regard to the US envoy” he added.
The rebel leader who requires the protection of civilians and the return of displaced to their villages, asks to dedicate the talks to discuss the root causes of the conflict in order to preserve the rights of Darfur people within a democratic Sudan.
He also said they agreed to continue dialogue and consultations in order to advance the peace process in the region.
(ST)