Sudan pledges to stop attacks on Darfur rebels

March 2, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — Sudanese government pledged today to not carry out attacks on rebel positions in the war torn region of Darfur and to focus on efforts to reach a peaceful solution to the six-year conflict.

The pledge was made during a meeting in Khartoum between the undersecretary at the foreign ministry Sediq Mutrif with the Darfur peace mediator Djibril Bassolé on Monday.

The rebel Justice and Equality Movement last week said committed to a goodwill agreement signed with the government in Doha. The move came after statements by JEM leader who warned he would intensify military efforts to overthrow President Bashir if he refuses to cooperate with the ICC.

Mutrif reaffirmed government commitment to reach a political solution to Darfur conflict adding that the decision of the International Criminal Court (ICC) would not affect the stance of the government in this regard.

However the Sudanese official pointed out that the Sudanese army would reserve the right to respond to any attack which may be carried out by the rebel movements.

Bassolé was in contact with JEM rebels after the publication by The Times last week of Ibrahim statements where he warned to redouble efforts to oust Bashir in case he refuses to cooperate with the ICC.

The goodwill accord which was mediated by the Qatari government and Bassolé does not include the cessation of hostilities between the two sides. Yesterday, JEM accused the government of mobilizing the para-military troops of the Popular Defense Force to attack ICC supporters.

In a statement released today JEM warned that it would “not stand idly” if the government troops attack civilians after the possible indictment of the Sudanese president.

“The regime will dig its grave with its own hands and speed up its declaration of suicide if it seeks recourse to any form of chaos, or threat to the social security as well as the safety of innocent and defenseless citizens.”

The ICC pretrial judges are to announce their decision on an application of arrest warrant on Wednesday 4 March. The Prosecutor filed 10 charges: three counts of genocide, five of crimes against humanity and two of murder.

(ST)