US envoy meets with Darfur rebel leader in Paris

May 29, 2009 (PARIS) — US special envoy to Sudan met today evening in Paris with a Darfur rebel leader to discuss his position from an international backed peace process.

Scott Gration met for the first time with Abdel-Wahid Al-Nur, the founder of the rebel Sudan Liberation Movement. The meeting discussed Al-Nur’s position from the ongoing Qatari sponsored peace process.

“The meeting was focused on security, humanitarian and peace issues,” the rebel leader said. He further added they also discussed the relations of his movement with Obama administration.

Gration was in China and Qatar to discuss Darfur issue. In Doha he took part in a meeting of the UN Security Council permanent members where the mediation asked a strong support to its efforts to end the six-year conflict.

The international meeting also agreed on the need to involve the other rebel groups particularly the SLM of Al-Nur who refuses to negotiate with the government before the disarmament of the Khartoum supported local militias.

“We had the opportunity to explain him that our concern goes beyond the current process to the protection of civilians and the humanitarian situation on the ground after the expulsion of the main 13 aid group since last March.”

Al-Nur further said once these concerns are dealt he can consider ways to engage peace talks with the government.

The exiled rebel leader stressed the meeting allowed him to explain the position of his group to the recently appointed presidential envoy for the Sudan.

“I think Gration understood our position particularly with regard to so called Doha talks ,” he stressed.

Gration after France, will pay a visit to London where he will discuss Darfur issue with the British officials.

(ST)