Sudanese-European dialogue discusses issues of Darfur, peace and H. rights

KHARTOUM, June 15, 2004 (SUNA) — The Sudanese and European sides discussed at the session of the Sudanese-European Dialogue at the Foreign Ministry Tuesday the developments in Darfur, peace process in south Sudan and the issue of Human rights.

Undersecretary of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Mutrif Siddig, addressed the session, briefing the European side on the government’s efforts with respect to the said issues.

In this connection, Dr. Siddig elaborated on the efforts to solve the issue of Darfur, focusing on flow of humanitarian assistance, protection of citizens and working to achieve a political solution through holding of a comprehensive conference on Darfur issue.

The Undersecretary further briefed the European side on the peace protocols signed recently between the government and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM), expressing hope that the two sides reach a final peace agreement by the end of August or early September 2004.

The European side, on the other hand, welcomed the progress achieved by the two sides in Naivasha, Kenya, congratulating the government on this achievement, appreciating the decision of the President of the Republic setting up an independent investigation committee regarding Darfur.

They also expressed hope that sending trained police to Darfur will help maintaining security and normalizing situations there, a matter that helps in the return of refugees and displaced persons to their areas.

The two sides agreed to hold regular sessions of dialogue every month to discuss different issues of concern in order to push forward relations linking the Sudan and the European Union.