Swedish diplomat to represent E.U in Darfur crisis talks

STOCKHOLM, Aug 20, 2004 (dpa) — A Swedish diplomat representing the European Union at talks to solve the ongoing crisis in the Darfur region of Sudan on Friday welcomed the African Union’s mediation efforts on the matter.

Ambassador Sten Rylander will participate in talks slated to commence Monday in Nigeria between the Khartoum government and rebel groups.

The talks take place in Nigeria’s capital Abuja, the current chair of the African Union.

“I hope to contribute as much as I can, but it is important to recognise that it is the African Union that is mediating,” Rylander told Deutsche Presse-Agentur, dpa, on the eve of his departure.

Rylander, a seasoned diplomat who has served as ambassador to Tanzania and Angola, said he could not see “any task more vital for the African Union than resolving the Sudan crisis.”

Expressing confidence in the A.U. mediating team headed by former Niger premier Hamid Algabid, Rylander said “initially the main thing is to get talks going and listen to the parties.”

“The art of listening is the key in all mediation. You then have to start from the positions the parties present to find constructive solutions,” Rylander added.

A top priority is to solve the humanitarian crisis “so that it doesn’t degenerate further” and maintain pressure on the parties, the Swedish diplomat said.

The 18-month conflict in Darfur has claimed up to 50,000 lives due to violence, starvation and disease. At least 1.2 million people have been forced to flee from their homes, while two million are in acute need of food and medical attention.