Mediators and JEM rebels discuss ways to resume Darfur peace talks

November 13, 2010 (DOHA) — Darfur mediators discussed today with an important delegation of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) ways to get the rebels back to the negotiating table with the Sudanese government.

JEM rebels froze their participation in the peace process in Doha following a series of attack by the Sudanese army against their positions in Darfur despite the signing of a truce last February.

The group had been also angered by the involvement of another rebel group, Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM), in the process. JEM at the time wanted to see all the other factions united under its leadership.

“The meeting addressed ways to ensure the return of the Justice and Equality Movement to the Doha peace process, said a statement released by the office of the Qatari state minister for foreign affairs, Ahmed bin Abdullah Al-Mahmoud.

“The meeting was fruitful and constructive,” it added.

For his part, JEM spokesperson Ahmed Hussein Adam said they delivered a 10-point paper to the mediation dealing with issues they want the mediation takes into consideration.

“We are not posing any preconditions but the position paper highlights issues of concern for JEM,” he pointed out; adding “these issues are normal and legitimate to any peace process according to the international standards”.

The rebel official said that free movement of rebels between the field and the peace talks venue is natural and any hindrance means impeding the process.

JEM chairman, Khalil Ibrahim is in Libya since last May after the Chadian government prevented him from going to Darfur to join his troops. The rebel group said at that time it would not negotiate with the government unless the authorities allow his return.

Alluding to the last week fighting with the government army, Ahmed said “despite the recent victories on the ground we prefer the political solution because there is no military solution to this conflict”.

The mediation said consultations with the rebel delegation will continue during the coming days to reach understandings on the return of JEM to venue of the peace process as soon as possible.

Ahmed said they will meet on Sunday evening to resume discussions.

The mediation said in the past it works to finalize a peace agreement between the government and the rebel groups before the end of the year.

(ST)