Sudan denies 30-day UN ultimatum on Darfur, says talks progressing

ABUJA, Aug 31 (AFP) — Sudan denied Tuesday that the United Nations had imposed an August 30 deadline for it to restore security for civilians displaced by fighting in Darfur and ensure safe passage for aid supplies.

“I don’t believe there is an ultimatum. I belive there is a process agreed with the UN and that process has to come to an end after 90 days,” the Sudanese minister of humanitarian affairs, Mohammed Yusuf, told journalists.

“What is to be seen at the end of the 30 days is the progress expected to have been made on the ground. The process is continuing and we believe the end of it will be by solving the problem between the government and the rebels.”

The minister was speaking during a break in African Union-led talks here on ending the humanitarian crisis Darfur.

The United Nations estimates that the 18-month-old conflict pitting Sudan’s government, backed by Arab militia allies, against two ethnic minority rebel groups, has displaced some 1.4 million people and left 30,000 to 50,000 dead.

The UN Security Council is to meet on Thursday to hear what is expected to be a critical assessment of Khartoum’s compliance with an August 30 deadline for tackling the humanitarian crisis.

“The final solution will come by addressing the root causes of the problem and the humanitarian situation,” the minister said.

“I believe that humanitarian activity is a partnership between the Sudanese government and the NGOs. It is a common responsibility. On our side, we believe that we are doing our best,” he added.

The AU meeting aimed to produce a a draft agreement on ensuring access to Darfur for aid workers and beefing up international monitoring of rights abuses.