Sudan partners agree on Darfur national peace conference
August 10, 2008 (KHARTOYM) — The two main partners of the National Unity government reached today an agreement on the objectives and the mechanism of a national initiative to end the five years conflict in Darfur.
In a meeting held on July 13 with delegates from the different political forces, President Omer al-Bashir agreed to convene a national conference to discuss and adopt a roadmap to reach a comprehensive and lasting peace in Darfur.
Following the Sunday’s meeting, the National Congress Party and the Sudan people’s Liberation Movement said they agreed on the objectives and the mechanisms of “the Sudan People’s Initiative” to resolve Darfur conflict.
Sharati Jaafar Abdel-Hakam said the purpose of the meeting is to have one vision on the initiative before to share it with other political forces.
Yasir Arman, the SPLM deputy secretary general, told the reporters that all the Sudanese political forces and social forces should take part in this national issue. He further added that there is a need to speed national efforts in order to reach a comprehensive solution.
The National Congress Party delegation consisted of Mandour al-Mahadi responsible of Darfur affairs, former south Darfur governor Al-Haj Atta Al Mannan and Shartai Jaafar Abdel-Hakam while the SPLM delegation included SPLM Secretary General Pagan Amum, his deputy for northern Sudan Yasir Arman and Abdel Aziz Hilu who is charged with Darfur file.
In a separated development NCP leading member, Atta Al Mannan, unveiled the main objectives of the national conference on Darfur, saying it aims at finding a lasting political solution for Darfur crisis and addressing the social root causes of the conflict.
The initiative intends to bring justice for Darfur people, fight the violence and to restore security in the region, he said. Adding, it also should adopt a plan to reconstruct and develop the economy of the three states in Darfur.
The former governor said the conference has to address the humanitarian aspect of the crisis including the issue of security, repatriation of the displaced and refugees to their villages after receiving their due compensations.
He also added that the conference has to find a solution for the issue of nomadic tribes and take in hand their needs.
(ST)