UN special envoy to Sudan in Eritrea for talks with Darfur rebels

ASMARA/KHARTOUM, Mar 7, 2005 (Sudan Tribune) — The United Nations Secretary General Special representative to Sudan, Jan Pronk arrived today in Asmara to persuade the two Darfur rebels the Sudan liberation Movement to attend Abuja talks scheduled later this month.

Eritrean radio said president Isayas Afewerki held talks with UN secretary-general’s special envoy for Sudan, Mr Jan Pronk. During the talks held at the Denden Hall, Jan Pronk briefed President Isayas the developments of the Sudanese peace talks following the Naivasha and Abuja agreements.

In a press release yesterday Pronk said that he told the Sudanese foreign minister that his visit is within the framework of conducting consultations with the armed movements particularly after he became aware that they refused to resume the talks. He added that delegations from the African Union and UN have also arrived in Khartoum to consolidate the AU work in Darfur.

Pronk called on the EU to assist AU to perform its duties. About the session of the Security Council that convened today, Pronk expected that the talks would concentrate on sending 10,000 strong international peacekeeping forces to the South Sudan.

He added than in respect to the situation in Darfur issue until a resolution is reached. He also said it is expected that the Security Council session will lead to a third session to discuss the Darfur fact-finding committee.