Sudan and Eritrea discuss Darfur peace

October 9, 2008 (KHARTOUM) – Sudanese Presidential Assistant met yesterday with the visiting Eritrean Presidential Adviser to discuss the ongoing initiatives to bring peace in Darfur.

This meeting comes within the context of the Qatari initiative to hold peace talks between Darfur conflict parties. Doha government is supposed to work closely with the United Nations and the African Union as well as Arab League.

The former mediation team had created a regional forum for the “Regional Partners of the Darfur Peace Process” which includes Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, and Libya. Asmara and Ndjamena had criticised the Qatari initiative for ignoring their contributions.

Nafi Ali Nafi and Yemane Gebreab discussed on Thursday means of boosting the political efforts aimed at solving Darfur problem.

Gebreab told reporters after the meeting that his visit came following the recent developments of Darfur issue such as the initiative of the People of Sudan and Qatari initiative. He further reaffirmed Eritrea’s support to all efforts aimed at solving the problem.

Nafi said in a press conference in Paris on Tuesday, that Eritrea had played a positive role and facilitated dialogue with the Sudanese opposition. He further said that the Qatari initiative should integrate Eritrean efforts for peace in Darfur.

In the past Sudan accused Eritrea of supporting Darfur rebel movement. However, after the signing of the CPA in 2005 the two countries restored bilateral relations and Asmara becomes an important ally to deliver rebels.

But rebels reject now interference of neighboring countries in the peace process. The failure of the Libyan mediation in 2007 is largely attributed to the good relations between Khartoum and Tripoli. Rebels say “Regional Partners” could play a dangerous role in the talks because have joint interest with Khartoum and can use their cause to achieve their proper goals.

(ST)