JEM say no perspective to resume Darfur peace talks soon

May 14, 2010 (CAIRO) — The Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) dismissed possible resumption of the peace talks with the Sudanese government saying the military escalation on the ground does not support joining the negotiation table.

Speaking after a meeting with Chadian President in Ndjamena on Thursday, the African Union – United Nations Chief mediator Djibril Bassole said JEM would rejoin soon the peace process ending its boycott of the Doha peace process.

“We continue to freeze our participation in the peace negotiations,” said JEM spokesperson Ahmed Hussein Adam. “Given the military escalation by the Sudanese army we are now closer to withdraw from the talks more than ever,” he stressed in a telephone interview from Cairo.

“What Mr. Bassole said does not actually reflect the reality,” he added.

The rebel official said the Sudanese army continues to carry out on daily basis air and ground attack on their troops in Darfur.

“Our forces are leading a defensive campaign imposed by the National Congress Party which refuses a peaceful settlement,” Ahmed said.

Military experts say the fighting, to some extent, is caused by the perspective of a ceasefire agreement the two belligerents are supposed to sign since last March.

JEM which had deployed its troops near the Chadian border now intends to extend its presence in different areas in the troubled region before inking the ceasefire agreement. On the other part the Sudanese army attempts to contain the rebels and limit their movement in West Darfur only.

Amin Hassan Omer the government top negotiator said today in Khartoum he would depart tomorrow Saturday to Doha to discuss the modalities of talks with rebel Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM) led by El-Tijani El Sissi.

Regarding JEM suspension of its participation in the peace talks, Amin said “Justice and Equality Movement is not serious and are unwilling to negotiate with the government”.

“Since the signing of the framework agreement they obstructed the talks expressing their opposition to the participation of other movements and now they are pretexting by military offensive” he further said.

The Sudanese chief negotiator said peace is not only achieved through talks which a component of the government efforts to settle the conflict. He further stressed on the importance of other approaches undertaken on the ground with the local leaders and civil society as well as efforts to provide services and improving the living conditions.

(ST)