Sudan urges Chad to take practical steps to normalize relations
March 1, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — The Sudanese government solemnly called on Chad to take practical steps to normalize relations between the two countries and confirmed its readiness to take the necessary measures to improve bilateral relations.
The call comes after the postponement for the second time of a ministerial meeting of Dakar contact group tasked with the normalization of Sudan Chad relations. The group was supposed to finalize the deployment of a joint force to monitor the border of the two countries.
Sudan accused Chad in the past of avoiding the deployment of such monitoring force. Since Tripoli agreement in February 2006 the two countries accepted to implement this measure.
Mutrif Sediq, the Undersecretary of the Sudanese foreign ministry Sunday said that Sudan is fully prepared to undertake any steps to support the normalization of bilateral relations between Sudan and Chad.
He further urged Chad to match words with action particularly with regard to the continued support of the rebel movements in Darfur.
The official pointed out if Chad proves its good intentions, the normalization of relations will not be difficult, since his country is fully prepared, whether it comes through the Qatari mediation or other efforts.
Sudan blames western countries for not putting the necessary pressure on the Chad to stop its support to the rebel groups in Darfur. However, western capitals say they do not stop their efforts with Deby. Some observers say Deby is surpassed on this issue by the tribal links.
The foreign minister Deng Alor discussed the strained Sudan-Chad relations with the European Union envoy to Sudan, Torben Brylle who stressed the need to resolve all the outstanding issues between the two countries.
The minister told the EU envoy that Sudan has done everything in its power to establish normal relations with Chad, but Chad has distanced itself from all Sudanese attempts in this regard.
Sudan says the rebel Justice and Equality Movement attacked Muhageriya in South Darfur state last January from its bases in eastern Chad. Also it accused Sudan of supplying the rebel troops inside the country.
Last January Chad accused Sudan of supporting the creation of newly formed Union of the Resistance Forces that aiming to oust President Idriss Deby. Chad said Sudan had imposed Timan Erdimi, a relative of the Chadian president as leader of the opposition alliance.
Jean Ping the head of the African Union Commission said worried by the risk of a deterioration of the relation between the two countries. He further announced that African Union would soon meet to discuss ways to end the current diplomatic stalemate between the two capitals.
He also appealed to the two neighboring countries to refrain from “any action likely to hinder efforts aimed at promoting peace and stability” in the region.
(ST)