From: Yemane Natnael (yemane_natnael@yahoo.com)
Date: Sat Oct 11 2008 - 12:01:14 EDT
Sudan and Eritrea discuss Darfur peace
October 9, 2008 (KHARTOUM) –
Sudanese Presidential Assistant met yesterday with the visiting
Eritrean Presidential Adviser to discuss the ongoing initiatives to
bring peace in Darfur.
This meeting comes within the context of the Qatari
initiative to hold peace talks between Darfur conflict parties. Doha
government is supposed to work closely with the United Nations and the
African Union as well as Arab League.
The former mediation team had created a regional forum
for the "Regional Partners of the Darfur Peace Process" which includes
Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, and Libya. Asmara and Ndjamena had criticised the
Qatari initiative for ignoring their contributions.
Nafi Ali Nafi and Yemane Gebreab discussed on Thursday means of boosting the political efforts aimed at solving Darfur problem.
Gebreab told reporters after the meeting that his visit
came following the recent developments of Darfur issue such as the
initiative of the People of Sudan and Qatari initiative. He further
reaffirmed Eritrea’s support to all efforts aimed at solving the
problem.
Nafi said in a press conference in Paris on Tuesday,
that Eritrea had played a positive role and facilitated dialogue with
the Sudanese opposition. He further said that the Qatari initiative
should integrate Eritrean efforts for peace in Darfur.
In the past Sudan accused Eritrea of supporting Darfur
rebel movement. However, after the signing of the CPA in 2005 the two
countries restored bilateral relations and Asmara becomes an important
ally to deliver rebels.
But rebels reject now interference of neighboring
countries in the peace process. The failure of the Libyan mediation in
2007 is largely attributed to the good relations between Khartoum and
Tripoli. Rebels say "Regional Partners" could play a dangerous role in
the talks because have joint interest with Khartoum and can use their
cause to achieve their proper goals.
http://www.sudantribune.com/spip.php?article28885
----[This List to be used for Eritrea Related News Only]----