Sudanese government reacts to Darfur rebels’ statement on the political accord

AL-FASHIR, western Sudan, April 27, 2004 (SUNA) — In the first reaction by the government to a press statement issued Monday by Secretary General of Sudan Liberation Army Meni Arkoi Minaoi which said that Adam Ali Shogar who signed agreement on establishment of mechanism of political negotiations only represented himself and had nothing to do with the movement, State Minister for Humanitarian Affairs and spokesman of the government delegation Mohammed Yousif Abdalla affirmed that the agreement was signed in the presence of Chadian President Idris Deby and representatoives of the African Union and the UN.

The minister said in a statement to SUNA that the parties reached agreement in the first accord of N’djamena, which was signed on April 8, on convening a comprehensive conference to solve Darfur problem, adding that agreement was also reached on holding another meeting within two weeks under the auspices of the Chadian President for establishing a mechanism for the comprehensive conference.

He went on to say that the government delegation came to N’djamena at the invitation of the Chadian mediator on April 20, where the agreement was signed, which was witnessed by President Deby and representatives of the African Union and UN, adding that those who signed for the armed movements were known to the government delegation and if there was a question it should be directed to the Chadian mediator and those who attended the signing of the agreement.

The official spokesman of the government delegation affirmed the government’s commitment to the agreement signed on Sunday.