Egypt’s FM calls for defusing Darfur crisis swiftly

TRIPOLI, Oct 16, 2004 (Xinhua) — Visiting Egyptian Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul Gheit [photo] said on Saturday that swift actions should be taken to curb the unfolding crisis in the western Sudanese region of Darfur.

Speaking to reporters upon his arrival for a summit on the Darfur issue to be held on Sunday, Abul Gheit said that the summit, under the auspices of the African Union (AU), would group leaders from Libya, Sudan, Egypt, Chad and Nigeria, which is currently holding the AU’s rotating presidency.

“The summit is aimed at finding a solution to the Darfur issue within the framework of the AU and improving the security situation on the ground,” Abul Gheit said.

He also called on the AU to urge the Sudanese government and rebel groups to settle disputes through dialogue as soon as possible and try to end the humanitarian crisis in the region.

The AU should take its responsibility to curb the crisis, he said.

Peace talks between the Sudanese government and rebel groups have adjourned in the Nigerian capital of Abuja and would be resumed after the Muslim holy month of Ramadan next month, the Qatar-based al-Jazeera TV channel reported on Saturday..

The United Nations Security Council adopted a resolution on Sept. 18, urging the Sudanese government to stabilize the situation in Darfur and fully cooperate with the AU.

The US-sponsored resolution also asked for an expanded AU monitoring mission in the region, where a 20-month clash between militia and local black farmers has killed and displaced many people.