Sudan SPLM briefs 2nd VP Taha after Chad visit

November 4, 2008 (KHARTOUM) – A delegation of Sudan People Liberation Movement (SPLM) met today with 2nd Vice President Ali Osman Taha and discussed with him the outcome of their visit to Chad.

Sudan official News Agency (SUNA) quoted Taha as hailing efforts undertaken by the SPLM and added that along with National Congress Party (NCP) they are working to achieve peace and stability.

Last week an SPLM delegation headed by Secretary General Pagan Amum, traveled to N’Djamena and met with President Idriss Deby. They also met with Darfur Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) leader Khalil Ibrahim in Eastern Chad.

President Deby told the delegation he welcomes the efforts of the SPLM. He is confident that SPLM Chairman Salva Kiir can and must play a key role in the resolution of the Darfur issue and the normalization of Sudan-Chad relations.

Yasir Arman, the deputy secretary general of the SPLM told SUNA that it is necessary “to normalize ties with Chad”.

“The making of peace should never perish and it must continue. All parties must work together to achieve a just and comprehensive peace in Darfur”.

Both Sudan and Chad have accused each other of supporting rebel armies and broke ties after the May assault on Khartoum by JEM. The two countries are scheduled to exchange ambassadors from the Nov. 7-10.

The ruling NCP has generally been sckeptical of SPLM role in trying to mediate in the Darfur crisis.

Last month SPLM’s Kiir said that these moves were ” being misunderstood by some political circles in Khartoum”.

However he emphasized that this will not discourage the SPLM from trying to intervene and participate in a resolution to the Darfur crisis.

(ST)