Sudanese government and Darfur rebels start talks on cessation of hostilities

December 26, 2010 (DOHA) — Delegations from the Sudanese government and Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) met today to discuss areas of difference in a draft agreement for a cessation of hostility to be signed before to start peace talks.

Today’s discussion intervenes four days after a last-minute cancellation of an initial meeting by the government delegation on Thursday. JEM rebels accused the government of meaning to delay the talks.

The two parties clashed in Dar El-Salam and Shangilit Tobayi in North Darfur on Thursday and Friday.

The Joint Chief Mediator, Djibril Bassole, called yesterday on the parties to stop fighting and resume talks on the cessation of hostilities saying the truce is indispensable for a suitable atmosphere before to resume peace talks.

In a three hour meeting attended by the chief mediator the government and the rebel delegations put out their positions from an initial draft submitted by the mediation. Every delegation also expressed its reserves about their respective positions communicated to the mediation.

“We said this ceasefire should serve the interest of civilians and displaced as well as political detainees,” said Ahmed Hussein Adam in reference to JEM’s demand to ensure full humanitarian access to the needy population and the release of political detainees.

Ahmed further said the government refuses to fulfill its previous commitments in this respect adding such measures are crucial to establish a “conducive environment”.

Sudanese government in the past, refused to free JEM prisoners of war before the signing of a ceasefire. The rebel group released unilaterally 272 solders detained following clashes with the army.

The government delegation also declined another demand by the rebel delegation to include the province of Kordofan in the cessation of hostilities deal.

The Sudanese army and the rebel fighters clashed last November in Northern and Southern Kordofan states. JEM also demanded to include Kordofan in the Doha peace process.

The rebel delegation rejected a proposal by the government to determine the geographic positions held by the rebel group in the cessation of hostilities deal, but the rebel objected saying such measures are only included in a final security arrangements protocol.

Based on Sunday’s meeting, the mediation is expected to submit a new draft to the two warring parties before to fly to Chad for a meeting with the President Idriss Deby on the peace process in Darfur.

Qatari state minister for foreign affairs Ahmed bin Abdullah Al-Mahmoud and JCM Djibril Bassole had to visit Ndjamena earlier this month at the end of their visit to the Sudan.

The hybrid peacekeeping mission, UNAMID reported that there were no clashes in the region on Sunday but underlined that the security situation remains tense in North and South Darfur following the recent fighting there.

(ST)