Sudan affirms commitment to Ndjamena agreements with Darfur rebels
KHARTOUM, April 29, 2004 (SUNA) — The government affirmed its commitment to the agreements it has signed recently in Ndjamena, Chad, with the arms holders [rebels groups]in Darfur States under the auspices of Chad and the African Union.
The Minister of Investment and Chairman of the government delegation for the negotiations in Ndjamena, Al-Sharif Ahmed Omer Badr, reiterated in a press conference organized by Sudan Media Centre (SMC) Thursday that the government is abide by the Ndjamena agreement that stipulated convocation of a comprehensive conference on issues of Darfur as well as discussing the political issues in the conference, referring to agreement by the two parties on establishment of a mechanism to discuss implementation of the political work.
He reviewed the agreement clauses which including a 45-day cease-fire, humanitarian issues and formation of mechanism to monitor implementation of the cease-fire agreement as well as immediate release of detainees from each party.
Responding to questions of the pressmen, the minister explained that the two parties praised the Chadian mediator for his neutrality and good diplomacy while he was supervising the negotiations.
He pointed out that the signatory on behalf of the Sudan Liberation Movement, Adam Shogar, is a known personality.
The minister also touched on the government’s plan to repatriate the displaced and refugee citizens to their home villages, and pointed out that all the detainees were set free by the government, a matter which proved the government seriousness and commitment to the agreement.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Engineer Ibrahim Mahmoud Hamid, stressed the government keenness to deliver relief assistance to the affected citizens in Darfur states, indicating that the Ministry of Finance and his ministry have made available some 50,000 tons of food materials for Darfur.
He referred to the positive response of Arab countries to Sudan call for assistance.
He explained that a UN delegation is currently on a visit to the three states of Darfur, affirming that the government is ready to acquaint any circle with the real situation in Darfur, stating that the recent visit of President Al-Bashir to North Darfur and his address to a big mass rally in a Fasher was a sufficient evidence on the people’s support to the government.
The Minister explained that some 10,000 Sudanese refugees in Chad have returned to Baida area in Darfur.
He also referred to the serious efforts to maintain security and stability in Darfur area.
The conference was also addressed by member of the negotiating delegation Lt. Col. Mohamed Ismail Ali, who said that the cease-fire agreement, after some 18 days, is holding, despite some violations, saying that these violations would disappear by the commencement of the cease-fire monitoring mechanism to its work.