Norway encourages JEM to participate in Darfur peace talks
December 23, 2008 (LONDON) — Norway encouraged the Movement for Justice and Equality (JEM) to take part in the peace process aimed at finding a solution to the Darfur conflict and expressed its support for the Qatari initiative.
“The talks dealt with peace process and ways of ending the conflict in Darfur,” said JEM spokesperson Ahmed Hussein Adam.
The minister Johansen stressed to the visiting rebel delegation the support of his country to the efforts engaged by the State of Qatar to organise peace negotiations to end the five year conflict in Darfur. He also said that they back the role of the joint mediator, Djibril Bassolé, in the talks.
He encouraged the Justice and Equality Movement to accept the initiative and join the international and regional efforts towards peace in Darfur.
JEM and the Qatari officials held several meetings to discuss the ongoing preparations to organise the peace mediation but the rebel movement didn’t yet announce its acceptance to participate in the talks.
The rebels ask the Sudanese government to release more than 30 JEM members condemned to death after an attack on the capital last May. They also demand that Khartoum engage talks with them without the other movements.
The spokesman said the delegation reaffirmed that the peace remains a strategic choice for JEM . He added “We are looking for the best way to achieve a lasting and just peace in Darfur as well as the establishment of a democratic system in the country.”
Ahmad further said that Norway officials confirmed their desire to participate in achieving peace, reconstruction and rehabilitation of Darfur. He further said the two parties agreed on the need for the international community’s involvement in the peace process to end the conflict in Darfur
Ahmed hailed the “noble efforts” of the Norwegian Government and its contributions to achieve peace in Sudan.
(ST)