Press release by Sudanese delegation to Abuja peace talks on Darfur

ABUJA, Nigeria, Dec 19, 2004 (SUNA) — Following Sudan News Agency publishes text of the press release issued Saturday by Government of Sudan delegation to 4th Round of Abuja Talks on Darfur:-

In the light of the difficulties encountered by the current round of Abuja Talks, an the serious stumbling blocks placed by the rebel movements that impeded the talks to reach their cherished objectives, the GoS delegation would like to state the following:

1- The balanced report presented by the CFC to the Joint Commission held in Abuja on the 17th December instant, clearly stated that the rebel movements, namely, the SLM and JEM, are responsible for starting the military escalation and violations in Darfur, for their flagrant aggression against civilians in the villages and IDP camps, and the attacks against major roads linking Darfur States with the rest of the country. The report also indicated that (activities of SLA combatants which caused serious insecurity on the roads were provocative and necessitated GoS present reaction). Those attacks and aggressions jeopardized the safety and endangered the lives of about 5 million citizens living in Darfur. Their actions manifested in abduction and killing of the humanitarian workers, and mining and seizure and confiscation of vehicles and equipments of humanitarian organizations further impeded the commercial activities, humanitarian delivery.

2- Under the above stated conditions, the GoS shouldered its responsibilities in defending its citizens and their properties, and enforce the rule of law and order, in full compliance with the UN and AU resolutions which called for opening and securing the roads against bandits and outlaws, guaranteeing free movement of citizens and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian assistance, as clearly stated in the CFC reports.

3- The GoS made every possible effort, in the Joint Commission meeting of 17th December 2004, to comply with the basic understanding, especially the N’djamena Agreement signed on the 8th April 2004, which could lead to the total halt of hostilities by the all parties under the full supervision of the AU and its mechanisms (CFC, JC, and AMIS).

4- In accordance with the call of the AU, UN and the international community to the conflicting parties, and in compliance with the above mentioned agreements, the GoS has completely halted its military operations and started withdrawal of its forces to their previous positions, at a time when the Movements continued their violations and attacks which impeded the success of the AU and the international community call, which they should be held responsible for.

5- The actions of the Movements are plagued with total lack of any political will manifested in the absence of the higher leaders from the current round of talks, and threatening to wage a full fledged war to other parts of the Sudan, at a time when the GoS came to the Talks in the high level and strong will with the intention to make the talks a success.

6- Despite the negative position of the Movements, the GoS delegation would like to reaffirm its full commitment and adherence to language of dialogue and negotiations, despite the difficulties or obstacles. The Government believes that peace would achieved in Darfur by the will of the Darfurians and will never be hampered by the agenda of the Movements.

7- The GoS delegation would like to reiterate the Government’s profound commitment to negotiation, in principle, and as means for settling all the conflicts in the Sudan. In that regard it is the Government’s position that the Abuja, Cairo, and Naivasha Talks are interlinked, and the role of the AU in solving conflicts in Africa through African approaches and mechanisms, with the participation of the international community represented by UN, EU, Arab League, the Mediators form sister countries, Facilitators, Observers and the host, Federal Republic of Nigeria, is fully observed and appreciated. The GoS would like to confirm its utmost readiness to continue the Talks and Negotiations till a comprehensive peace in Sudan is achieved.

18th December 2004, Abuja, Nigeria.