Sudan supports Qatari plan for peace in Darfur
October 9, 2008 (KHARTOUM) – The Sudanese Presidential Assistant Nafi Ali Nafi today stressed government’s unlimited support to the Qatari initiative on Darfur.
Nafi who is the government top negotiator met Thursday with the visiting delegation of the steering committee of the Arab initiative led by the Qatar’s Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ahmed bin Abdullah Al-Mahmoud who presented him an action plan for solving the crisis in the western Sudanese region of Darfur.
Nafie said in press statements following the meeting, “we are optimistic over the role played by Qatar.” He added that the action plan, which was put forward is an integrated project, was founded on a lot of efforts and meetings with all the stakeholders, including the Arab League, the African Union and the joint mediation.
The delegation of the steering committee of the Arab initiative for solution of Darfur issue, which was established at a recent meeting of the Arab League in Doha, Qatar, also raised the plan to Sudanese officials during a meeting at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
The meeting was attended by State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ali Karti, Assistant Secretary General of the AL for Political Affairs Ahmed bin Hali, and African Union Commissioner of Peace and Security Ramadan al-Amamra.
Al-Mahmoud told reporters after the meeting that government’s positive response is a major element for the success of the initiative. He also underscored they received positive messages from the rebel movements, adding that they will continue their contact with them until “we convene the peace negotiations in Doha” he said.
Earlier today he said the rebel had shown their welcome to the Qatari efforts for a solution of the Darfur conflict. He said the Qatari side would begin official contacts with the rebel movements soon.
Nafi on Tuesday had said that Abdel-Wahid Al-Nur, the chairman of the rebel Sudan Liberation Movement reject the Qatari initiative. However the UN-AU joint Mediator for Darfur, Dijbril Bassolé said the rebels had shown strong desire for peace.
Al-Mahmoud, also met today with the, Bassole, and the EU Special Representative for Sudan Torben Brylle. Discussions during the two focussed on efforts being exerted to solve the Darfur crisis.
(ST)