Darfur mediation denies postponement of peace talks
January 18, 2010 (DOHA) — The Qatari state minister for foreign affairs in charge of the Darfur file today denied reports about the postponement of peace talks between the Sudanese government and rebel groups. The negotiations are scheduled for the end of this month.
Qatari State Minister Ahmed bin Abdullah Al-Mahmoud stressed today that the meeting between the government and the rebel groups would be held on January 24 as planned. He also denied any intention to postpone it.
The minister made his remarks during a one day meeting of international experts held today in Doha. The meeting was also attended by officials from the African Union, Arab League, Islamic Conference Organisation, European Union, and the five permanent members of the UN Security Council.
He stressed that Qatar as host country coordinates closely its efforts with the Joint Mediator. He also expressed the determination of his country to play a decisive role in the resolution of the seven year conflict, saying they have the necessary patience to overcome obstacles and complications.
Al Mahmoud also welcomed the meeting held in Ndjamena between the Presidential adviser Ghazi Salah Al-Deen and JEM leader Khalil Ibrahim – initiated by the President Idriss Deby and the Mediator Djbril Bassole — pointing out that the normalization of relations between Chad and Sudan is always seen as crucial to ending the Darfur conflict.
On the rebel groups, the Qatari official said he is optimistic on the participation of the rebel groups at the meeting adding that the mediation is in contact with them. He also welcomed the reunification of six factions in Tripoli, Libya and their announcement they would attend the peace talks in Doha.
He also disclosed that the Addis Ababa groups – which comprise those Darfur rebels whose representatives met last year in the Ethiopian capital under American auspices – proposed to hold their unity meeting in Doha.
It was recently reported that the rebel Justice and Equality Movement dispatched a delegation to Doha to meet with participants at the experts’ meeting. Yet the group did not announce its participation in the next round of negotiations but said it refuses to associate in the talks with the groups of Addis and Tripoli.
The upcoming meeting is expected to have a discussion of the signing of a ceasefire agreement and a framework agreement on the peace process.
(ST)