Sudan and Chad to hold talks soon, Qatar’s PM
March 8, 2009 (DOHA) — Sudan and Chad will soon hold talks to end the current tension between the two neighboring countries. Libya will facilitate these talks, said the Qatari Prime minister today.
Hamad bin Jasim bin Jabor Al Thani Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar told reporter in Doha on Sunday that the talks mean to create a common ground between the Sudan and Chad.
He further added that the recent visit to Chad by bin Khalifa al-Thani, the Emir of Qatar is a continuation of the Qatari role in Darfur peace mediation. He pointed out that the purpose of the visit was to create positive atmosphere for reaching a ceasefire agreement in Darfur.
“The understanding between Sudan and Chad will help to find a solution to Darfur crisis,” he underscored.
The Sudanese government and the Justice and Equality movement signed last February a goodwill agreement aiming at the creation a conducive environment for peace talks between the two sides. However they didn’t sign a ceasefire agreement.
Recently the two sides renewed their commitment to the Qatari mediation, but the lack of a clear commitment to halt hostilities could undermine the ongoing efforts to reach a peace agreement between the two sides.
JEM leader asked, in an interview with Sudan Tribune during the weekend, the President Omer Al-Bashir to render himself to the International Criminal Court where he is wanted for crimes against humanity and war crimes.
He expressed the readiness of his movement to take part in the efforts to arrest the “fugitive president.” Also, Khalil Ibrahim said they would reconsider their position from the peace talks if President Al-Bashir is received there during an Arab League summit to be held in Doha by the end of March.
Sudan and Chad trade accusations of supporting respective rebel movements since 2005. Libya Saudi Arabia and Senegal brokered three no aggression between the two neighboring countries but in vain.
(ST)