Head of African Union urges resumption of Darfur peace talks

November 15, 2008 (DAR ES SALAAM) – The Tanzanian President and African Union chairman Jakaya Kikwete has urged the Sudanese parties, Sudanese government and rebels to resume peace talks in order to settle the five year conflict in Darfur region.

“AU is impressed with (the) Sudanese government’s initiatives in restoration of peace in Darfur, but wants to see peace talks with rebels resume to achieve lasting peace in Sudan,” he said in a statement released late Friday.

Kikwete made the plea after receiving a message from Sudan’s President Omer Al-Bashir in Dar es Salaam, delivered by a the presidential adviser Mustafa Osman Ismail.

Osman, accompanied by Sudanese Justice Minister Adbel Sabderat, briefed Kikwete on the resolutions of a government initiated large consultation to bring to an end the war in Darfur.

“I am pleased with the initiatives aimed at ending the protracted war in Darfur.

“However, it should be stressed that the plight of Darfur and Sudan in general is in your own hands, the people of Sudan. We in the AU are there to support those efforts,” said Kikwete.

Al-Bashir on Wednesday called an immediate ceasefire in Darfur, he also promised to launch a campaign for the immediate disarmament of all parties immediately after the implementation of the security arrangements.

While the rebel Justice and Equality Movement rejected the Al-Bashir call, the Sudan Liberation Movement led by Abdel-Wahid Al-Nur said Sudanese government has to implement first its pledge before peace talks.

(ST)