France hails peace talks between government and western Sudan rebels
PARIS, March 26, 2004 (KUNA) — The French government welcomed on Friday the opening in of peace talks between the Sudanese government and rebels in the Darfour region on the border with neighbouring Chad, official sources said.
Foreign Ministry spokesman Herve Ladsous said that Paris hoped the talks, which are being held in Chad, would lead to a lasting settlement to the fighting in the region that is putting a brake on national reconciliation which has already started with other groups in Sudan.
France has had numerous contacts – as high as the level of Foreign Minister Dominique de Villepin – with the parties in the region and has promised assistance both with the peace efforts and the needed reconstruction and development in Sudan.
Ladsous said that France appreciated the role of Chad in helping end the conflict with the Darfour region. Chad has also been forced to take in tens of thousands of refugees fleeing the fighting in Sudan.
France called on “all the involved parties” to take part in the talks “in an inclusive as possible a manner” and the French authorities are urging all to “show proof of a constructive spirit.”