Darfur peace talks to resume in June
May 26, 2010 (DOHA) — Darfur peace talks will resume during the first week of June announced today the Qatari state minister for foreign affairs after a meeting with the Sudanese Presidential adviser.
Last April the mediation suspended the negotiations between two rebel groups and the delegation of the Sudanese government due to general elections in the country.
The rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) however, suspended its participation in the process saying the government army does not observe a cessation of hostilities agreed last February. But Khartoum also accused the rebels of breaching the truce.
Last week the mediation said all the stakeholders would be invited to join the negotiating table during the last week of May.
The talks will resume on June 6, and all the parties including JEM will be called to Doha for the negotiations, an informed source confirmed to Sudan Tribune.
Qatari state minister Ahmed bin Abdullah Al Mahmoud told reporters that invitation letters would contain a question on whether they wish to add something on the proposed agenda.
“The Justice and Equality Movement is part of the negotiations and we hope that they will reconsider their position and join the negotiations,” he further said.
The Qatari minister released positive signals about the possibility of granting Khalil Ibrahim travel documents to move out of Libya to Doha directly if he wishes to participate in the negotiation.
“It is the duty of the United Nations but also our duty that if the brothers (in the Justice and Equality Movement) want to come, the mediation would provide them with travel documents to come to Doha,” He further said that “the Justice and Equality Movement is part of the negotiations and we hope to reconsider its position and continue the negotiations”.
Bassole echoed Al-Mahmoud remarks saying the mediation is ready to issue travel documents for the rebels to return to the venue of the process. He also said they are in touch will all the parties.
However, JEM rebels said they would not go to Doha unless the mediation guarantees the return of their leader Khalil Ibrahim to Darfur.
Gazhi Salah Eddine, Presiential adviser in charge of the peace process said the government is not concerned by those who do not want to negotiate.
Now we are not interested in negotiating with a group that is not willing to negotiate. … The government would negotiate with the group that has shown serious willingness and sincerity in reaching a solution,” Ghazi said.
“We are not concerned and not interested in the positions of the Justice and Equality Movement, especially as it has no real desire to negotiate for peace,” he added.
(ST)