Chadian President, Sudanese envoy hold talks on normalization process

January 8, 2009 (KHARTOUM) – The Chadian President Idriss Deby discussed Friday with Sudanese Presidential Adviser Ghazi Salah Al-Deen Attabani the latest developments to normalize relations between the two countries.

Since last Thursday technical military and security committees from the two sides are meeting in Ndjamena to discuss the deployment of border monitoring teams. They plan to establish five checkpoints each inside both countries.

The Presidential adviser is leading a high level delegation including the head of National Intelligence and Security Service Mohamed Atta, and the undersecretary at the foreign ministry Mutrif Sidiq.

According to the Chadian presidency website president Deby discussed the presence of the rebel groups in Sudan stressing that he could not accept further attacks from eastern Chad.

“The President of the Republic has once again reaffirmed his position not to allow the mercenaries to continue bringing grief Chadian families,” said a statement released by the Chadian presidency.

Following the meeting, Ghazi stated that they discussed many things related to the normalization process adding “the dialogue continues positively”.

The two countries are expected to deploy the observers on the border areas within two weeks.

Sudan welcomed the Chadian efforts to end Darfur conflict and said favourable to its participation in the Doha peace talks which are expected to start within two week.

Last week the President Deby called on rebel groups to lay down their arms and return home. He further said resolved to end war with rebel groups who are based in Sudan.

Observer say Sudan might ask Chad to convince the leader of Justice and Equality Movement, Khalil Ibrahim to join the talks and sign a ceasefire agreement with the government.

(ST)