Sudan, Darfur rebel groups talks to start tomorrow

KHARTOUM, April 19, 2004 (SUNA) — The second session of negotiations between the government and arms holders [rebel groups] in Darfur is to begin Wednesday in the capital of Chad, Ndjamena, to discuss the political matters.

The past session of negotiations between the two parties resulted in the signing of agreements on cease-fire and provision of humanitarian aid to the affected citizens in Darfur.

In a press statement Monday, Foreign Minister, Dr. Mustafa Osman Ismail, said that the government is ready to participate in Ndjamena negotiations with its same delegation for the past first session.

Dr. Ismail said that the stance of the other party is ambiguous, because it gives contradictory statements that it will not take part in the coming talks in Ndjamena and others declaring its readiness to participate in the negotiations.

On the health situation in Darfur, the minister said that the health situation is under control, referring to his recent visit to Darfur, accompanied by the Undersecretary of the Ministry of Health, and his meeting later in Khartoum with officials of concerned organs in Khartoum who sent quantities of medicines for combating any epidemic in Darfur.

He said that the government is exerting great efforts to face any disease in the coming rainy season. Dr. Ismail said that Sudan welcomes any assistance and medicines from the international community to the affected citizens in Darfur.