Sudanese government reiterates commitment to Darfur ceasefire

KHARTOUM, Feb 19, 2005 (Xinhua) — Head of the Sudanese government’s delegation to peace talks with the Darfur rebels Majzoub el-Khalifa said here Saturday the government was committed to the ceasefire agreement in Darfur.

“The government is committed to the ceasefire agreement as an adherence to its citizens’ security,” the Sudanese News Agency (SUNA) quoted Khalifa, who is also the political secretary of the ruling National Congress party, as saying.

The government and two Darfur rebel groups signed a ceasefire agreement last year, which was reportedly violated by both sides.

The official said the government had withdrawn its air forces from Darfur as an initiative to confirm good will and enhance security for its people there.

Khalifa called on the United Nations to press on the Darfur rebels to ensure success for the coming round of peace talks.

The official said the African Union (AU) has informed the government its peace talks with the Darfur rebels would resume in the Nigerian capital Abuja at the end of February.

He reiterated the government’s rejection to foreign interventions in the Darfur issue, except the AU.

Khalifa said the AU was capable of fulfilling its mission to preserve security and stability in Darfur, while urging the international community to extend technical support to the AU.

He added the humanitarian situation in Darfur was “in progress” in both political and security fields.