Darfur mediator praises rebels’ release of 44 Sudanese soldiers

May 21, 2010 (PARIS) — The Joint Chief Mediator today welcomed the release of 44 members of the Sudanese army delivered three days ago to the Red Cross, describing it as good move showing JEM commitment to the signed framework agreement.

Khartoum and the rebel Justice and Equality Movement on February 23 signed a twelve-point agreement where the parties defined the main issues to be discussed in different areas and committed themselves to release Prisoners of War as well as to observe a truce.

Despite the ongoing clashes between the two signatories, JEM handed over some 44 POWs from the Sudanese government army to the International Committee of the Red Cross on Tuesday 18 May.

“The release of 44 Sudanese soldiers by the Justice and Equality Movement comes in line with the commitments taken in the framework agreement. It is a good step forward and we welcome it,” Bassole said.

JEM suspended on May 2, its participation in the Doha peace process accusing Khartoum of breaching the cessation of hostilities. The Sudanese government admitted the violation accusing the rebel group of trying to extend its presence outside the agreed areas designed for their forces.

The AU-Un Chief Mediator renewed his call on the two parties to stop clashes and observe the signed agreement. “This will allow us to seek the best way to gather the two delegations at the negotiating table,” Bassole said.

He also said preparing to travel soon to the Libyan capital to meet with JEM leader Khalil Ibrahim. The later had been denied entry to the Chadian capital on May 19, twenty four hours after the release of the POWs.

JEM officials appealed on the mediation to secure Khalil return to Darfur. They also spoke about conspiracy to bring them back to Doha.

But Bassole stressed that the most important is to keep talking with all the parties, adding that “dialogue will allow us to dissipate any misunderstanding”.

The mediation announced earlier this week that the peace process would resume by the end of May and all the concerned stakeholders will be invited to participate.

(ST)