Darfur mediator urges warring parties to observe ceasefire

November 18, 2008 (ELFASHER) — The Darfur peace mediator has appealed all the warring parties in Darfur to observe a cessation of hostilities saying it would contribute to confidence building process to create a conducive environment.

The call comes after a declaration of cessation of hostilities made by President Omer Al-Bashir on November 12 at the closing session of a large consultation led by the ruling National Congress Party. However, rebel groups accused the Sudanese army of many attacks since the presidential pledge.

“The Chief Mediator urges all the parties to adhere to the cessation of hostilities in order to allow for the establishment of a monitoring and consultation mechanism on all security matters,” said Dijbril Bassolé in a statement issued on Tuesday.

Bassolé underlined that this measure “will act as a confidence building measure and create a conducive environment for the conduct of a political dialogue.”

Al-Bashir, vowed on November 12 to implement unilateral ceasefire in Darfur however he said it would be effective if a “monitoring mechanism is put into action and observed by all involved parties.”

The rebel movements rejected the call describing it as “propaganda” and part of “public relation” campaign by the embattled president who is accused of war crimes and genocide in Darfur by the prosecutor of the International Criminal Court.

Also the The U.N. deputy force commander in Darfur, Emmanuelle Karenzi, said Tuesday that his mission is working to persuade Darfur rebels groups to accept a government offer of a cease-fire and proposal for peace talks.

(ST)