SLM rebels appeal for international support to hold consultations on peace in Darfur
November 15, 2010 (KHARTOUM) – The rebel Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) led by Abdel Wahid Al-Nur has appealed to support its efforts to hold consultations in Sudan and out of the country on ways to reach a lasting peace in Darfur.
Al-Nur announced in October that he would organize a meeting in Paris for the SLM leading political members to discuss ways to end the seven-year conflict in western Sudan region of Darfur.
In a letter he handed to the former French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner last week before a ministerial reshuffle Al-Nur asked the French government to support his efforts to hold this meeting in France.
“I ask the French government to help organize this meeting so that it can guarantee the security of SLM members who will be attending. These consultations in Paris will play a crucial role in when we move forward towards peace,” he said.
Today, a rebel official and a representative of Darfur displaced and refugees told Sudan Tribune that these consultations are taking place also in Darfur and in other parts of the country to besides Paris in order to sort out a strong and united position.
Nimir Abdel-Rahman, SLA spokesperson called on the international community and friendly countries to support this move and facilitate the organization of these meetings in and outside Sudan.
“We appeal to the international community, friendly and neighboring countries to provide assistance for the completion of these consultations in the near future,” Nimir told Sudan Tribune by telephone.
“Under the supervision of the SLM Chairman Abdel-Wahid Al-Nur, we engaged a large consultation, inside Sudan and abroad, on ways to reach sustainable peace in Darfur, while our country is at crossroads,” SLA spokesperson further said.
“The IDPs in Darfur and refugees in Chad have started discussions to determine a position that can allow them to get their demands for security and landownership,” said Hussein Abu Sharati IDPs and refugees spokesperson.
Al-Nur met last July in Paris with the Qatari state minister for foreign affairs Ahmed bin Abdullah Al-Mahmoud and pledged to join the ongoing process to settle Darfur conflict. Also he meets regularly with the Joint Chief Mediator, Djibril Bassole.
The rebel leader who is supported by Darfur IDPs says the decision to join the peace process has to be taken by the members of the movement who not only fighters adding they are the first to be directly concerned.
Nimir further said they hope that the referendum on Southern Sudan independence, which will take place next January, be held peacefully and successfully stressing that this will have direct impact on peace and stability in Darfur.
(ST)