Darfur JEM say US must rethink approach with Khartoum

July 2, 2009 (PARIS) – Darfur rebels urged the US administration to review its approach in dealing with the Sudanese government saying the current constructive engagement with Khartoum government is harmful for a just resolution of the six year conflict in Western Sudan.

Scott Gration the special envoy of the President Barack Obama pressed the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) in a meeting held last week in the Chadian capital Ndjamena to sign a ceasefire agreement despite the non-implementation of goodwill agreement since five months as held by the rebel group.

During a press briefing held in Washington last month Gration told reporters there is no genocide in Darfur but the “remnants of genocide”.

The envoy’s remarks drew widespread criticism by Darfur advocacy groups and the US State Department issue a statement the next day to reaffirm the official position of the US administration over the genocide label.

Ahmed Hussein Adam the official JEM spokesperson regretted the pledge made by the US envoy to normalize bilateral relations between Khartoum and Washington and lack of pressure to push the Sudanese government to enforce the confidence building agreement they signed on February 17, with the Sudanese government.

“There is no significant change in the strategy of the government with regard to the settlement of Darfur crisis. The military solution remains their only option. Washington should not reward Khartoum but punish it to stop the killing of civilians in Darfur” Adam said.

The rebel official stressed that the appointment of Ghazi Salah Al-Deen Attabani as government top negotiator does not mean there would be crucial change in the position of the government toward a swift political solution of the conflict.

He underlined that the top negotiator has no strong standing among the ruling National Congress Party (NCP) and this would lead him to be less flexible.

Gration had requested JEM rebels to join the negotiating table two month ago to discuss the implementation of the goodwill agreement with Khartoum but he failed to persuade Khartoum to allow the return of the evicted aid groups or to release prisoners of war.

“The humanitarian situation contrary to what Gration says did not witness any improvement,” he said.

The JEM spokesperson praised the solidarity of the American people and the position of US Administration on genocide in Darfur. He also underlined the important humanitarian assistance supplied by the different administration to Darfur IDP’s and refugees.

With regard to the ceasefire agreement, Adam said JEM have no objection to the cessation of hostilities but the government wants to sign it to “dedicate its time for other things.”

He also regretted Gration’s support to the tribal approach for the settlement of Darfur conflict, saying the problem is between the NCP government in the centre and Darfur people.

“There is no problem between the people of Darfur,” he added.

The rebel official said that Abuja agreement had been built with the same logic but failed to end the conflict.

Nonetheless, Adam said JEM is ready to cooperate with the US administration in the resolution of the conflict. He further said such cooperation should be figured on a comprehensive and clear approach.

“The solution of Darfur conflict is not incompatible with the CPA implementation, and both will lead to the democratic transition in the country,” Ahmed said.

The UN says up to 300,000 people have died and more than 2.2 million have fled their homes since the Darfur conflict erupted in February 2003. Sudan says 10,000 have been killed.

(ST)