Sudan says Chad has to stop support for Darfur rebels

May 10, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — A Sudanese official today said efforts to normalize relations with Chad could not be successful unless Ndjamena ends its support to Darfur rebel groups.

Sudan and Chad signed an agreement in Doha to normalize ties on May 3 but the Chadian rebels moving from Sudan penetrated inside the country two days later.

Sudanese Presidential Adviser Mustafa Osman Ismail said today that the return to normal relations between the two countries depends on Chad’s cessation of its support to the rebel factions that instigate the conflict in Darfur, especially the Justice and Equality Movement,”

Ismail disclosed that the Qatari mediator conducting a series of contacts to ensure the commitment of the two parties to the normalization deal signed recently in Doha. He also expressed hopes that the ongoing consultations be in the benefit of the two stakeholders.

However, the Sudanese official said the ongoing escalation by the Chadian government does not serve the normalization of relations. Ismail further added that everyone knows where are based the troops of the Justice and Equality Movement and from where they launch their attacks or get the weaponry and equipment.

Chadian President last Saturday declared victory over the rebels and threatened to break off diplomatic relations with Khartoum. He also ordered the closure and seizing of Sudanese cultural centres and schools.

In clashes Thursday and Friday south of Abeche in eastern Chad, 225 rebels and 22 soldiers were killed, according to the government.

(ST)