UN chief remains confident Darfur talks would resume soon

May 4, 2010 (NEW YORK) — UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon expressed today confidence that the peace process in Doha to end Darfur conflict would resume soon describing JEM decision as “temporary”.

Accusing the Sudanese army of attacking its position on daily basis the Jusrice and equality Movement has suspended its participation in the peace process to protest the regular violation of a frame agreement signed since last February.

“We understand that the JEM spokesperson has made remarks about suspending its participation in the Doha talks. We also understand that this is temporary, pending resolution of key issues, and have confidence that the talks will continue,” a spokesperson for Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon told reporters in New York.

Yesterday speaking to Sudan Tribune Ahmed Hussein Ahmed, JEM official spokesperson sailed Khartoum seeks to weaken his groups militarily before to resume peace talks on May 15.

But the Sudanese denied the attacks and reiterated its commitment to 23 February deal. The Army spokesperson even said these clashes may be occurred between JEM elements on the grounds.

In February the Sudanese Government and JEM signed a Framework Agreement in Doha, Qatar, pledging to sign a final peace agreement before March 15. The deal included a truce the parties at the time said they would fulfill.

Mediators are talking with the JEM leader who is currently still in the Qatari capital since one month, the spokesperson of the UN SG said. He further said the mediation urged group to remain committed to the truce, and to conclude talks with the Government on the ceasefire agreement as well as the final peace settlement.

JEM top negotiator Ahmed Tugud said yesterday some members of JEM delegation will remain in Doha to follow up the concerns with the mediation. Also he did not rule out the total withdrawal of the process if the situation remains unchanged.

(ST)