Joint mediator and UNAMID head to enhance cooperation for peace in Darfur

June 3, 2010 (KHARTOUM) — The Joint chief Mediator and the head of the hybrid peacekeeping mission agreed today to enhance their cooperation in order to end the seven year conflict in Darfur where some 300000 died since 2003.

The mediation announced, last week, the resumption of the peace process on June 6. It also extended the invitation to the two rebel groups participating in the peace process. JEM rebels said they will continue to boycott after their withdrawal on May 2 .

The AU-UN Chief Mediator, Djibril Bassolé, today visited the Headquarters of the UNAMID where he discussed the peace process with the Joint Special Representative (JSR), Ibrahim Gambari.

The two African diplomats “discussed ways and means to enhance coordination and cooperation,” said the UNAMID in a news briefing issued today. Bassole and Gambari convened to meet regularly and to work closely to promote peace in Darfur.

Gambari pointed out that one of his main priorities is supporting the peace process and playing a more proactive role in this regard. He expressed the Mission’s readiness to further the peace process.

The UNAMID traditionally collaborates with the Joint Peace Mediator on the preparation of the peace talks. The mission provides all the transportation logistics of rebel groups and the civil society inside Darfur.

The UNAMID chief repeatedly said resolved to contribute to the peace process in order to make peace reality. Gambari says his hybrid mission is deployed in Darfur needs to support efforts for peace because the peacekeeping suppose a peace to keep.

Bassole also met with the North Darfur Governor Osman Mohamed Yousif Kibir. He briefed him about the peace process and the preparations of the resumption of the talks next week.

He told reporters following the meeting that the governor gave the visiting mediator a number of ideas to push the peace process forward.

(ST)