Sudanese president satisfied with Abuja negotiations

KHARTOUM, Nov 11, 2004 (Xinhua) — Sudanese President Omar el-Bashir said on Thursday that he was satisfied with the Abuja talks which resulted in the signing of security and humanitarian protocols on the Darfur issue, the Sudanese News Agency reported.

Bashir [photo] voiced his satisfaction in a meeting with the Sudanese government’s negotiators, headed by Magzoub El-Khalifa, who came back to Sudan from Abuja on Wednesday.

The president described the signing as “an important step which will push forward the coming rounds of Naivasha peace talks and will thwart any foreign intervention attempts to halt the peace process in the Darfur region.”

He also reaffirmed that Sudan paid attention to preserving its sovereignty and unity, protecting its land and security, enhancing trust and confidence among the Sudanese as well as boosting development and cooperation with countries in the region and the international community as a whole.

Khalifa also delivered a message to Bashir from Nigerian President and current Chairman of the African Union Olusegun Obasanjo, who reaffirmed Sudan’s role and its right to safeguard sovereignty and territorial integrity.

In the message, Obasanjo appreciated Bashir’s role and his efforts that contributed to the signing of the two documents.

Obasanjo also expressed hope that the conflicting sides could reach a comprehensive ceasefire so as to achieve a political solution to the conflict and a full access of humanitarian aid to people in Darfur.

Magzoub was quoted as announcing that the next round of talks with the Darfur rebels would be held on Dec. 9 in Abuja to further discuss general principles of political issues.