British envoy discusses Sudan peace process

June 2, 2009 (KHARTOUM) — UK special envoy to Sudan Michael O’Neill today urged Darfur rebel groups to take part in the Doha process to end the six year Darfur conflict.

O’Neill, who had participated in a meeting in Doha for the permanent members of the UN Security Council about the Darfur peace process, met today with Sudanese presidential adviser Ghazi Salah Eddin Attabani, who was recently appointed as top negotiator for Darfur peace talks.

After his meeting with Attabani, O’Neill stressed his country’s full support for the ongoing negotiations between the government and the Justice and Equality Movement, and called on other rebels to join the Doha process.

The British envoy said that he discussed with the presidential adviser a number of issues concerning bilateral relations, the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, and the forthcoming elections in the Sudan, in addition to the Doha negotiations and Sudan-Chad relations.

Regarding the British position on the International Criminal Court arrest warrants against Sudanese officials and President Omer Al-Bashir particularly, O’Neill, said his country supports the efforts of the Elders of the African Union, led by the former President of South Africa Thabo Mbeki, noting that it can bring fresh ideas to help in resolving the issue.

O’Neill also met with Sudanese Foreign Minister Deng Alor. The two officials discussed CPA implementation, the Abyei issue and Sudan-Chad relations.

(ST)