Egypt to host conference on Darfur reconstruction

December 9, 2009 (CAIRO) — Egypt said today intending to hold a conference for the reconstruction and development of Darfur during the first trimester of 2010.

Director of the Sudan Affairs department at the Foreign Ministry Mohamed Qassim told the Arab Affairs Committee at the People’s Assembly (Parliament) Tuesday that it had received a letter from the Sudanese national unity government in few weeks ago asking to host the conference.

Qassim pointed out that a preparatory committee from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is already formed to prepare for the conference and it held its first meeting two days ago. Also he said that in response to Sudan request Turkey will co-chair the meeting with Egypt.

He said that the invitation list would include all possible donor countries and organizations as well as the IMF and World Bank to help contribute to the redevelopment of the restive region, whether in infrastructure or education.

Qatar is sponsoring a peace process to end the six year conflict in Darfur. Doha pledged to participate generously in the reconstruction of the war ravaged region when a peace deal is signed stressing that peace and development are associated in its approach for a definitive settlement for the conflict.

Darfur rebels who rejected the Darfur Peace Agreement in 2006 motivated their decision partially by Khartoum refusal to pay individual compensation for the affected population.

Secretary-General of the Arab League, Amr Moussa, will pay a visit to Darfur during the second half of December to inaugurate a number of model villages built under the auspices of the League in the region.

(ST)