Sudan, UN form joint mechanism on IDPs’ voluntary return

NYALA, South Darfur, Nov 12, 2004 (SUNA) — An agreement has been reached between the government of South Darfur State, and the United Nations to form a mechanism grouping the African Union and representatives of displaced persons to exchange views on the voluntary return of the displaced persons and to avoid any shortcoming in this regard, the Representative of the United Nations Secretary General in Sudan, Jan Pronk, announced in a joint press conference with Foreign Minister Mustafa Osman Ismail in Nyala Thursday.

An African Union ceasefire monitor leaves a meeting with Sudan Liberation Army rebels in the desert west of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur state, November 8, 2004. (Reuters).

Pronk said there would be no voluntary return of the displaced persons until a basic level of security has been attained for the IDPs, pointing out that the villages he has visited were relatively secure and that tremendous efforts were being exerted to reconcile the tribal groups there.

He pointed out that it was the right of the government to relocate displaced persons to any save place it sees fit. He said after his visit to the camp of Shareef he was now assured that services were being provided there.

Pronk has expressed his joy over the signing of the security and humanitarian affairs protocols between the government and rebels in Darfur, calling on the AU to assist the two parties in the implementation of the protocols signed.

The Governor of South Darfur State Al Hajj Atta Al Manan has meanwhile described the visit of the UN official and the foreign minister to the state as successful.

He also pointed to the readiness of his government to cooperate with the organizations and the federal government for the realization of security and the rehabilitation of the areas affected by the war.