Rebels want to shift the file of Darfur from the AU to the UN: Sudanese official

KHARTOUM, July 18, 2004 (SUNA) — The Minister of Agriculture and Chairman of the government delegation for the negotiations in Addis Ababa with the arms holders in Darfur, Dr. Magzoub Al-Khalifa, held the delegation of the arms holders [Darfur rebels groups] responsible for the collapse of the negotiations.

Speaking to the press upon the return of the government delegation to Khartoum Sunday, Dr. Al-Khalifa described the withdrawal of the delegation of the arms holders in Darfur as tactic to shift the file of Darfur from the African Union to the UN.

Dr. Khalifa further explained that the stances of the two delegations of the Justice and Equality Movement and Sudan Liberation Movement were not the same, and that they reflected contradictory political views, saying that their withdrawal confirmed that their leaders are lacking specific strategy and political vision.

The minister affirmed that the government proposals were met with acceptance and appreciation from the African Union and the observers of the European Union and the United States.

In this regard, the minister renewed the keenness of the government to achieve peace and stability in Darfur, saying that the government will implement its commitments without responding to any pressures.

He referred to the government efforts to enhance the humanitarian situation in Darfur, saying that this situation has improved remarkably, as well as working for the return of the displaced people to their home areas.

Dr. Al-Khalifa affirmed that the government is committed to implement the security arrangements agreement as well as getting engaged in dialogue toward maintaining the social fabric and peaceful co-existence in Darfur.

He also stressed that the government is committed to cooperate with the African Union’s Ceasefire Committee, which is assigned to monitor security violations, affirming readiness to cooperate with the international community for solving Darfur issue.