US special envoy tackles Darfur with Sudanese officials

November 3, 2009 (KHARTOUM) – The US special envoy to Sudan Scott Gration discussed with officials here obstacles hindering the peace process in Darfur, state media reported.

The Sudanese side was represented by presidential adviser Ghazi Salah Al-Deen Al-Attabani, ministers Mohamed Yusuf Abdullah and Amin Hassan Omer.

The delegation spokesperson Abdullah told reporters that the government listed obstacles to Gration as being splintering of Darfur rebel groups and spreading of IDP’s and Darfuri communities.

His colleague Omer said that they discussed with Gration the new US policy on Sudan in which they have yet to state a final position on it. He also said that all efforts are focused in uniting rebel groups.

Gration, along with other regional players, has been seeking to integrate various rebel groups and bring them to the negotiation table.

His policy has been criticized by some observers as one that is creating more divisions within the movements.

Today the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) led by Abdel-Wahid Mohamed Nur issued a statement today warning Gration to stay away from areas they control.

The SLM accused Gration of seeking “to dismantle” the movement by fostering defecting commanders to create a new body.

(ST)