Rebel JEM ready to discuss Qatari initiative on Darfur
September 23, 2008 (LONDON) — The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) has expressed its readiness to meet soon the Qatari officials to discuss a peace initiative launched by the Gulf emirate to host peace talks on Darfur conflict.
El-Tahir Adam El-Faki, the Speaker of JEM Legislative Council praised the Qatari efforts to settle the five year conflict in western Sudan saying it has the experience and the ability to solve the crisis.
El Faki however underscored JEM rejection to any Arab League’s interference in the Qatari proposal because the regional body has been supportive to the Government of Sudan and denied the existence of Darfur crisis, he said.
The Qatari government expressed willingness to host peace negotiations between the Sudanese government and the rebel groups in Darfur earlier this month. The French government also backed the imitative and the two countries formed a joint team to work out preparatory plans for the peace conference.
The United Nations Secretary General also hailed the move which initially was part of Arab League efforts to reach a comprehensive solution for Darfur crisis.
Arab ministerial council formed on September 9, a ministerial body co-chaired by the Qatari Prime Minister, Hamad bin Jasim, Chairperson of the African Union (AU) Commission, Jean Ping and Arab League Secretary General Amr Musa.
The panel is charged with the organization and sponsorship of peace talks in Qatar between the Sudanese government and the rebel movements. Also, the committee should coordinate its efforts with the AU-UN Joint Chief Mediator for Darfur Djibril Bassolé who will mediate the talks.
After JEM attack on Omdurman last May, the Arab League condemned the operation and termed it as “terror act.”
Last year Libya failed to deliver rebels to participate in Sirte talks at the end of October 2007. The two former mediators were blamed for much, but also the position of the host country.
The Sudanese government and rebel movements negotiated during two years a peace deal under the African union mediation in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, but only one faction led by Minni Minawi signed in May 2006 a deal that didn’t make change on the ground.
(ST)
Akol Liai Mager
Rebel JEM ready to discuss Qatari initiative on Darfur
A quest for peace through political dialogue isn’t only a mean to solve political conflicts, it also a peaceful democracy’s culture the mother of all solutions. But because of the difficulties and complexity of Darfur issue, Qatari initiative must be balanced and based on justice. I meant giving Darfurians what’s theirs and the same to NIF Khartoumers.
qatar must come up with clear intention and Principles for solving Darfur problem like EGAD if need to be a successful mediater.
I would like to volunteer to contribute three principles for Qatar: 1. 2nd Vice President of Sudan for Darfur and 2. Withdrwal of all NIF Forces and its ally Janjuweed militia from Darfur. And 3. Self-determination for old Darfur region.
But if Qatar initiative lack the items mentioned above, it will be a dead and embarrassing one for Arabs in general and to Qatar particularly.
Justice please, come to Darfur!