Sudan sends delegation to discuss Britain offer of Darfur conference

April 19, 2008 (KHARTOUM) — A Sudanese high level delegation will visit London by the end of the month to hold talks with the British officials over Darfur peace process.

British Prime Minister Gordon Brown said on April 12 he was in contact with the Sudanese government and rebel groups to host peace talks to end the five year crisis in Darfur.

The Sudanese Foreign minister Deng Alor flanked by the presidential advisor Mustfa Osman Ismail will pay a visit to the British capital carrying a written message from President Omar Bashir, the British Prime Minister Cordon Brown.

The two-day visit will take place on 29-30 April.

Omar Sidiq, Sudanese Ambassador to the United Kingdom said that the letter came in response to a letter from the British Prime Minister to the President al-Bashir.

He further said that there is a shift in relations between the two countries after the arrival of Brown’s government which shows more understanding of the relations with Sudan, particularly with regard to the issue of Darfur, Sidiq said.

The Sudanese presidential spokesperson last week welcomed the British proposal saying the Government of Sudan is willing to resume peace negotiations with the rebel movements in Darfur anywhere and at any time.

Mahjoub Fadl said Sudan accepts in principle Brown proposal to aimed at ending the ongoing conflict in the province for more than five years.

Darfur peace envoys welcomed today in a press conference in Khartoum the British offer. They further said that London accepted that the talks would be under the lead of the UN-AU.

However, it seems that the British government wanted to know the reaction of the Sudanese government before contacting the rebel groups.

Asked by Sudan Tribune different rebel sources said they ignore the UK offer.

(ST)