Sudanese government calls for more consultations on Darfur mediation proposals

January 5, 2011 (KHARTOUM) — Sudanese government has asked for more consultations on the compromise proposals handed last week by the mediators aiming to break impasse on the status of Darfur region and a post of vice-president saying they transgress the constitution.

Government delegation left the venue of the peace talks, Doha, last week saying all discussions are over with the rebel groups and urged the mediation to present its proposals on the negotiations with the Liberation and Justice Movement (LJM).

The mediation on 30 December handed, to the two parties, proposals aiming to end the deadlock over pending issues before to put out the final draft peace agreement. The four propositions include, among others, the establishment of a regional authority and also give Darfur region a vice-president of the republic.

On the same day and before to leave Doha, the governmental delegation rejected the proposals arguing they are inconsistent with the constitution and the signed framework agreement. On Monday 3 January the LJM accepted officially the proposals saying they are deemed blinding to the two parties.

The government has some reservations on the establishment of one region because it refuses that the proposed regional legislative council be entitled to enacting law. Its attribution should be limited to the activities of the proposed transitional authority, said reported the semi official SMC, citing sources from the government negotiating delegation.

The delegation further said it does not object the establishment of a general secretary for the proposed regional authority but its budget should be approved by the National Assembly.

On the vice-president, the negotiating delegation said the post of vice-president under the current constitution is not linked to the geographic division of the country.

The government by putting out such objections seeks to force the mediators to review their proposals.

The mediation last week regretted the departure of the Sudanese government delegation form Doha as the gesture was seen as unilateral decision aiming to put pressure to end the peace process.

The Sudanese government said it remains committed to the process and will keep dealing from Khartoum with the mediation.