United Nations Information Centre (UNIC) Khartoum
Media Monitoring Report (MMR)
Thursday October 9
Headlines:
§ U.S. pledges to improve situation in Darfur (Akhbar Al-Youm &
Akhir-Lahza)
§ Sudanese and US sides resume sessions of dialogue (SUNA)
§ Arab Steering Committee arrives in Khartoum (Sudan Vision & Khartoum
Monitor)
§ Kiir orders probe over fashion police campaign (Al-Wifaq, Sudan
Tribune)
§ Journalists denied entry to prison in Omdurman (Al-Wifaq & Khartoum
Monitor)
§ Sudan benefits from global financial crisis (Sudan Vision)
§ President Al-Bashir to address National Legislature Monday (SUNA)
§ Minister of Justice briefs Lamamra on procedures taken by his
Ministry on Darfur problem (SUNA)
§ Joint UN - African Union Mediator Says He felt Strong Desire of all
Parties to Achieve Peace in Darfur (SUNA)
§ President Orders Pushing up Absorb Darfurian Sons in Public Service
(SMC)
§ US Jewish Group Calls Jewish Clerics Campaign for Darfur (SMC)
§ Ocampo's Allegations Could Foil Peace in South & Sabotage Deployment
of Hybrid Troops/ ICG (SMC)
§ South Darfur Arrange for Holding Reconciliatory Conferences between
Tribe in the State (SMC)
§ Ban condemns killing of Nigerian soldier in Darfur (Al-Rai Al-Aam)
§ Le Roy visits Abyei and Juba (Local dailies)
§ Names of Elections Commission members submitted to Parliament (Al-Rai
Alaam)
§ UN supports the Sudan People’s initiative and Qatari initiative
(Al-Wifag)
§ SPLM offers pirates $ 10 m (Al-Wifag)
§ The Ukrainian Ship Carrying Weapon Tops Agendas of Defense Council
Meeting Next Monday (SMC)
§ Ukraine denies pirate ship arms bound for Sudan (AFP)
§ New UN Peacekeeping Chief, on First Official Visit, Confers in South
Sudan (UN News)
§ Rebels show willingness to settle Darfur conflict – mediator (ST)
§ JEM says not sure about its participation in Qatari peace talks (ST)
§ JEM says not sure about its participation in Qatari peace talks (ST)
§ Darfur civil society, tribal leaders discuss peace and reconciliation
(ST)
§ South Sudan, ILO to jointly combat child labour and poverty (ST)
§ Salva Kiir reinstates Lakes speaker, ending political turmoil (ST)
Main Highlights:
U.S. pledges to improve situation in Darfur
Khartoum, 9 October 2008 (Akhbar Al-Youm & Akhir-Lahza) -- The U.S.
Special Envoy to Sudan Richard Williamson held talks with Nafie Ali
Nafie at the Republican Palace in Khartoum, following the Special
Envoy’s visits to Juba and Rumbek to discuss issues of mutual concern
regarding the implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement, Abyei
and the Darfur political process.
Ali Al-Sadig, the Sudanese Foreign Ministry’s official spokesperson,
affirmed Washington’s keenness to support Khartoum in improving
humanitarian conditions in Darfur.
Al-Sadig mentioned that the U.S. envoy covered the current positive
developments in Darfur and commended the Sudanese government’s
cooperation with UNAMID in the deployment of troops. (Akhbar Al-
Sudanese and US sides resume sessions of dialogue
Khartoum, 9 October 2008 (SUNA)- The Sudanese and US sides resumed
sessions of dialogue between them at the Republican Palace Wednesday,
co-chaired by Assistant of the President of the Republic Dr. Nafie Ali
Nafie and US envoy to Sudan Richard Williamson.
Spokesman of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Ambassador Ali Al-Sadik
said in a press statement that Sudan affirmed to the American delegation
keenness of the government on improving the security and humanitarian
situations in Darfur and benefiting from all initiatives top of them the
Initiative of the People of Sudan, referring to the efforts exerted by
the government to assist UNAMID in carrying out its tasks.
He pointed out that the US envoy referred to the many positive
developments Darfur witnessed in the past period thanks to the efforts
of the government and its cooperation with UN, AU and UNAMID.
Ambassador Al-Sadik said the Assistant of the President of the Republic
expressed appreciation of Sudan to the US initiative for transporting
the Egyptian, Ethiopian and Rwandan troops to Darfur, hoping that all
would follow suit so that the deployment of the hybrid operation would
be completed.
He added that the meeting also tackled the Sudanese-Chadian relations
and Khartoum's belief that any positive developments with N'djamena
reflect positively on the situations in Darfur and eastern Chad.
Ambassador Al-Sadik said the meeting also tackled the Sudanese-US
relations.
Arab Steering Committee arrives in Khartoum
Khartoum, 9 October 2008 (Sudan Vision, Khartoum Monitor) -- The
Steering Committee of the Arab Initiative arrived in Khartoum this week
to participate in talks with members of the Arab League, the AU-UN joint
Mediator on Darfur, the Commissioner of the African Union Peace and
Security Council, and a number of Sudanese political parties.
The meetings will be chaired by Ahmed Bin Abdallah Al- Mahmoud, the
Qatari Minister for Foreign Affairs, and will discuss arrangements for
holding negotiations with armed movements in Darfur.
Kiir orders probe over fashion police campaign
Khartoum, 9 October 2008 (Al-Wifaq, Sudan Tribune) -- Salva Kiir
Mayardit ordered the immediate release of the women arrested on Monday
by police in Southern Sudan on the account of “inappropriate dress.”
Luka Biong Deng, Minister of Presidential Affairs in the Government of
Southern Sudan(GoSS), told reporters in a press statement that
“President Kiir had ordered a serious investigation into the incident as
to how the order had been issued.”
According to reports, a local county order was issued by Juba County
Commissioner Albert Pitia, who was allegedly the authority behind the
action.
The legality of the order has been widely questioned and the GOSS
Minister of Interior is currently heading the investigation into the
incident.
Journalists denied entry to prison in Omdurman
Khartoum, 9 October 2008 (Al-Wifaq, Khartoum Monitor) -- Authorities at
the Omdurman Prison denied entry to members of the press accompanying a
parliamentary delegation surveying prison conditions there.
The report said that the reporters were treated “brashly” and were
forced to leave the delegation.
The “appalling treatment” by the prison authorities was described by
journalists as a “violation of journalists’ rights” and brought on a
demand for an apology from the prison’s administration.
Sudan benefits from global financial crisis
Khartoum, 9 October 2008 (Sudan Vision) -- According to an article in
paper, the current global financial crisis affecting most of Europe and
U.S. may have a positive effect on Sudanese economy as more foreign
investors may come to Sudan to compensate their losses.
Preliminary indications have shown that the loose link between the
Sudanese and American economic markets has diminished the impact of this
crisis on Sudan’s national economy.
President Al-Bashir to address National Legislature Monday
Khartoum, 9 October 2008 (SUNA) - President of the Republic Field
Marshal Omer Al-Bashir will address next Monday the opening setting of
the National Legislature in its 7th session.
Speaker of the National Legislature Ahmed Ibrahim Al-Tahir will also
address the setting. SUNA learnt that the setting of the National
Assembly on next Tuesday would be dedicated to the approval of the
Council of the Political Parties Affairs and on Wednesday for the
deliberation over the President's statement on the general plans and
policies of the state in 2009.
Minister of Justice briefs Lamamra on procedures taken by his Ministry
on Darfur problem.
Khartoum, 9 October 2008 (SUNA) - Minister of Justice Abdul-Basit
Sabdarat briefed the African Union Commissioner for Peace and Security,
Ramtane Lamamra, and the accompanying delegation on the procedures taken
by the Ministry of Justice with regard to the legal aspects of Darfur
problem.
The Minister said in a statement to the press that the meeting discussed
the mission of the general prosecutor for Darfur crimes as well as the
decisions regarding the appointment of Wiseman Committees from the three
states of Darfur and the National Committee besides the amendments in
the criminal law and the investigations concerning Kalma camp.
The Minister added that Lamamra was provided with the documents that
support the legal points of view of Sudan regarding the issue of the
International Criminal Court besides copies of the decisions issued by
the Minister of Justice and the book which was prepared by the Ministry
on the facts and charges.
He pointed out that the talks were fruitful, hoping that the meeting
would push forward the efforts of the committee of the Qatari
Initiative, reiterating Sudan's welcome to the initiative as well as its
working to achieve its goals.
Joint UN - African Union Mediator Says He felt Strong Desire of all
Parties to Achieve Peace in Darfur
Khartoum, 9 October 2008 (SUNA)- The Joint UN - African mediator for
Darfur, Djibril Bassolé, said that he felt a strong desire of all the
concerned parties in Darfur issue to achieve peace and stability in the
region.
In a press statement after his meeting Wednesday at the Republican
Palace with Assistant of the President of the Republic, Dr. Nafie Ali
Nafie, Bassolé referred to intensive diplomatic activity being carried
out by different parties for solution of Darfur issue, especially after
declaration of the initiative of the people of Sudan and the Qatari
initiative toward solving Darfur issue.
Bassolé said that his meeting with Dr. Nafie came in the context of the
consultations being conducted by the Joint UN - African Union Mediation
with the parties in Darfur issue, indicating that he deliberated with
Dr. Nafie about the initiatives of the people of Sudan and Qatar.
Bassolé said that he briefed the Assistant of the President of the
Republic about the contacts being carried out by the Joint UN - African
Union Mediation with the armed movements of Darfur.
He explained that the armed movements in Darfur expressed their desire
to achieve peace in Darfur, adding that serious work shall be done to
overcome impediments.
He said that the strong will is important to push ahead implementation
of the initiatives for solution of Darfur issue.
Bassolé said that the leader of Sudan Liberation Movement, Abdul-Wahid
Mohamed Nour, did not refuse to take part in the negotiations, but have
reservations, adding that he discussed with Abdul-Wahid his
reservations.
He said that Abdul-Wahid has informed him about his stances and views
about the initiatives for peace in Darfur, adding that he spoke with Dr.
Nafie about this issue.
Bassolé said that he will make another contact with Abdul-Wahid Mohamed
Nour to inform him that the Qatari initiative would lead to the solution
of Darfur issue.
He hoped that the Qatari initiative will lead to peace, security and
stability for the people of Darfur.
President Orders Pushing up Absorb Darfurian Sons in Public Service
Khartoum, 9 October 2008 (smc) -- President Omar Hassan Al Bashir orders
civil service commission to push up the formation of experts committee
suggested to assess and evaluate national civil service and considers
absorbing Darfurian sons in national institutions.
In parallel the joint committee between the government and SLM''s Mani
Arkoy arranges for holding broaden meeting with UNAMID in due days to
reactivate the role of the latter in the implementation of Abuja peace
agreement.
The joint mechanism for implementation of Abuja deal spokesman Ali
Hassan Dosa told (smc) that SLM feels relax for the achievements made by
the joint committee as regards to implementation of Abuja deal.
He explains that the joint committee recommended formation of
information committee aims for assessing the achievements made following
Al Fashir meeting held recently between VP president Ali Osman Mohammed
Taha and SLM chief Arkoy. Moreover, he said the presidential order of
referring Abuja deal to include in the constitution represents quality
shift in partnership between the government and the movement.
US Jewish Group Calls Jewish Clerics Campaign for Darfur
Khartoum, 9 October 2008 (smc) -- The Jewish group in United States of
America issues an appeal for their basic Jewish clerics devote enough
time during prayers making speech on what they alleged of ethnic
cleansing in Darfur.
Jewish senior cleric Rik Jakot urges more than 70 Jewish clerics across
the world to pray for victims of ethnic cleansing and calls Jewish
organization in US raise funds for Jewish campaign for Darfur region.
In notes that Israeli minister for internal security Avi Dikhitar has
acknowledged that Israel set a plan for interference in Darfur under
American supervision.
He said, "We would have been faced with great difficulties if had our
plan set for intervention in Darfur far from US and western countries
protection."
Ocampo's Allegations Could Foil Peace in South & Sabotage Deployment of
Hybrid Troops/ ICG
Khartoum, 9 October 2008 (smc) -- Deputy Chairman of International
Crises Group (ICG), Mr. NIC Grono said International Criminal Court
(ICC) prosecutor general Luis Ocampo''s call for arrest warrant targets
President Omar Hassan Al Bashir would seriously threaten peace and
stability in Sudan.
Grono wrote an article posted on crises group website on internet
stating that the international community should search for another mean
of pressure against the Sudanese government.
He said in his article titled Justice does not mean peace that
performing pressure may lead to halting of violence circle in Darfur and
there by peaceful settlement could take place as consequence.
However, he said Ocampo''s allegation might push what he calls
hardliners in the government to frustrate all peace deals and sabotage
deployment of hybrid troops in Darfur and that would ultimately lead to
renewal of violence across Sudan.
South Darfur Arrange for Holding Reconciliatory Conferences between
Tribe in the State
Khartoum, 9 October 2008 (smc) -- Southern Darfur state announces that
arrangements are under way for holding reconciliatory conferences target
rebuilding social structure in the state.
The state government advisor for native administration affairs Al
Sahratai Ibrahim told (smc) that the objective of the proposed
reconciliatory conferences were for unifying citizens and tribes and
maintains co existence in the state.
He said these conferences target maintain reconciliation between Baoni
Halba and Turgum: Habaniya and Fullata: Al Tugrum and Aballa the Al
Burgud and Al Zaghawa tribes all of them live in south Darfur.
Ban condemns killing of Nigerian soldier in Darfur
Khartoum, 9 October 2008 (Al-Rai Al-Aam) -- UN SG Ban Ki-moon condemned
yesterday the attack on a UNAMID convoy in south Darfur in which a
Nigeria soldier was killed. A press release issued by the SG office said
Sudan Government and the armed movements in the region share the
responsibility for security and safety of civilians and peacekeepers in
the region.
Le Roy visits Abyei and Juba
Khartoum, 9 October 2008 (Local dailies) -- Undersecretary General for
Peacekeeping Operations Alain Le Roy and SRSG Ashraf Qazi have visited
Abyei and Juba as part of Le Roy’s mission to familiarize himself with
situations in the Sudan. In Juba, they met FVP Kiir and in Abyei they
met JIU and JIPU.
Le Roy said in Juba much needs to be done to fulfill the remaining CPA
benchmarks.
Names of Elections Commission members submitted to Parliament
Khartoum, 9 October 2008 (Al-Rai Al-Aam) -- NCP official Ibrahim Gandoor
said yesterday that the two partners’ list of nominees for the Elections
Commission membership was submitted to the National Assembly.
He expected the Parliament to debate the list on Monday. Gandoor added
that elections would take place on schedule.
UN supports the Sudan People’s initiative and Qatari initiative
Khartoum, 9 October 2008 (Al-Wifaq) -- UNMIS representative for
political affairs Muin Shreim discussed with NCP officials UN role
towards various Sudanese issues.
NCP leader Prof. Ibrahim Gandoor told journalists after the meeting that
they discussed relations between Sudan Government and UNMIS and the role
UN can play to make the Sudanese people’s initiative and the Qatari
initiative a success.
He said the question of UN support to elections would be decided by the
elections commission whose list of members would be submitted to the
Parliament on Monday.
Gandoor said further meetings would focus on the issue of unification of
Darfur armed movements.
SPLM offers pirates $ 10 m
Khartoum, 9 October 2008 (Al-Intibaha) -- The paper said it has obtained
concrete evidence confirming the arms shipment was destined for southern
Sudan. SPLM military delegation left for Kenya for talks, through a
Kenyan mediator, to secure release the ship in return for a ransom.
The paper obtained information confirming that the SPLA delegation
reached an agreement with the pirates, through a Kenya interlocutor
named “Farah”. According to the agreement $ 8 million will be paid as
ransom in return for release of the cargo. The ship is expected to be
released within two days.
The Ukrainian Ship Carrying Weapon Tops Agendas of Defense Council
Meeting Next Monday
Khartoum, 9 October 2008 (smc & Al-Rai Alaam) -- The joint defense
council would hold it rotating session Monday next week.
The council spokesman Gen Ahmed Sheikh Tawil told (smc) that the issue
of the Ukrainian Ship reportedly carrying weapons and tanks destined for
the south tops the agendas of the council meeting.
Meanwhile, a number of southern political forces have expressed surprise
on the pig row of the Ukrainian Ships, which SPLM denies any connection
to it.
Head of Southern National Front (SNF) professor David Dichan told (smc)
that this is not the first time for the SPLA imports weapons from
abroad. However, he said this time if that huge amount of weapons really
imported we would have to ask SPLM, which is which party the movement
wants to clash with.
He adds that SPLM must exploit the money it has in development projects
to raise living condition of southerners at first place.
In the same development MP from southern parliament did not rule out
possibility of tabling the ship case for discussion in the parliament
and holding hearing from SPLA commanders.
Ukraine denies pirate ship arms bound for Sudan
KIEV, 9 October 2008 (AFP) — Ukraine joined Kenya on Wednesday to deny a
report that a shipment of 33 tanks and other arms was destined for
Sudan.
The BBC on Tuesday carried a picture of the purported freight manifest
showing the initials GOSS, an acronym the British broadcaster suggested
stood for the Government of South Sudan, where it said the weapons were
heading.
"The cited acronym... is that of a department of the Kenyan Ministry of
Defence, the General Ordnance Supply and Security," said a statement
issued by Ukrainian state-owned arms exporter Ukrspetsexport.
Kenya's foreign minister also claimed that BBC had misinterpreted the
acronym.
"I have personally seen the bill of lading that is posted on the BBC
website and it is purely speculative," minister Moses Wetangula told
reporters after a meeting with Somali Foreign Minister Ali Jama Jangeli.
"That is the correct document but it was misinterpreted. The initials
shown in that cargo manifest do not in any way show that the military
cargo was destined for Southern Sudan," he said, also claiming the
correct acronym was General Ordnance Supply and Security.
The identity of the final recipient of the shipment has been the subject
of controversy, with several parties and experts claiming it was headed
for South Sudan and Kenya insisting the cargo was its own.
On September 25, pirates seized the MV Faina, a Ukrainian ship carrying
33 Soviet-type battle tanks, anti-air systems, rocket launchers and
ammunition.
Kenya announced Wednesday it would send its navy join other foreign
vessels surrounding the ship as pirates try to secure a ransom for its
release.
Despite growing calls, Kenya has not yet produced an end-user
certificate proving the shipment is indeed intended to its ministry of
defence for a hardware upgrade.
New UN Peacekeeping Chief, on First Official Visit, Confers in South
Sudan
New York, 9 October 2008 (UN News Service) --The top United Nations
peacekeeping official met today with leading officials of the regional
government of Southern Sudan as part of his week-long familiarization
tour of Africa's largest country where the world body currently fields
two peacekeeping missions.
Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Alain Le Roy,
accompanied by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon's Special Representative in
Sudan Ashraf Qazi, held talks with Salva Kiir, President of the
Government of Southern Sudan, scene of a devastating 21-year-long civil
war before a peace accord was signed in 2005.
"As you know we have 18 operations worldwide, so we have many
challenges. However, I started with the Sudan because I think there are
many things at stake here," Mr. Le Roy told reporters, explaining why he
made the country his first destination since his appointment to his post
in August. "As I said, much has been achieved, but there is still a need
for the UN to continue to play its role."
Although the comprehensive peace agreement (CPA) ending the north-south
civil war, which killed at least 2 million people and displaced 4.5
million others, was signed nearly four years ago, violent clashes still
occur. Fighting took place most recently in the town of Abyei, where 98
people were killed and over 50,000 others uprooted in May.
Mr. Le Roy visited Abyei yesterday, meeting with members of the newly
formed Joint Integrated Unit and Joint Integrated Police Unit set up to
ensure security and policing in the town after May's violence.
While the CPA remains on track, much needs to be done to implement the
agreement within the time remaining and the parties must redouble their
efforts to accomplish the outstanding benchmarks, he said.
He stressed that the main challenge is to help to keep the peace in
Sudan as a whole, something the people clearly want in a country that is
also riven by a fierce war in its western region of Darfur.
The UN Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) currently fields nearly 10,000 uniformed
personnel entrusted with monitoring compliance with the CPA, assisting
in a demobilization and reintegration programme, and helping the return
home of those displaced.
A separate hybrid UN-African Union peacekeeping mission for Darfur,
known as UNAMID, was deployed at the start of this year and is slated to
become the largest UN peacekeeping operation with some 26,000 personnel
at full strength. Currently it has some 10,000 troops and police
officers on the ground and still lacks essential equipment, including
helicopters.
A tripartite committee on UNAMID's deployment comprising the UN, the
African Union and the Sudanese Government held its first meeting
yesterday, with all sides pledging every possible effort to speed up
deployment.
"The challenges are very high and so we do request the support of GoS
(Government of Sudan), without which we cannot achieve this objective,"
UN Under-Secretary-General for Field Support Susana Malcorra told
reporters afterwards.
Some 300,000 people are estimated to have been killed, either through
direct combat or as a result of disease, malnutrition or reduced life
expectancy, and more than 2.7 million others have been uprooted from
their homes in the five-year Darfur conflict that pits rebels against
Government forces and allied Janjaweed militiamen.
Mr. Le Roy is to visit UNAMID's headquarters in El Fasher, capital of
North Darfur state, and stops are also scheduled in South Darfur's
capital, Nyala, and El Geneina, capital of West Darfur.
Rebels show willingness to settle Darfur conflict - mediator
KHARTOUM, October 8, 2008 (ST) — Darfur peace mediator said today that
all Darfur rebel movements are showed strong desire to settle the
ongoing conflict in western Sudan and the region.
Djibril Bassolé met today with the Presidential Assistant Nafi Ali Nafi
who is also government chief negotiator for Darfur talks. The chief
mediator had discussed yesterday the Qatari initiative with the
chairperson of the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM).
Following his meeting, Bassolé told the reporters in Khartoum Wednesday
that the rebel movements expressed their desire for peace in Darfur
adding "We must work hard to get over the difficulties". He further
noted that strong will to achieve peace is what will push all these
initiatives forward.
In a press conference held in Paris on Tuesday at the end of his visit
to France, Nafi criticised the position of Abdel-Wahid Al-Nur, chairman
of the Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) on the peace process.
"Abdel-Wahid does not only refuse the Qatari initiative, but he rejects
the whole process of negotiations" said Nafi.
However the African Union – United Nations Mediator asserted that Al-Nur
didn’t reject to take part in the peace process but he has some reserves
about the negotiations. He also added he had met Abdel Wahid Al-Nur and
discussed the issue with him.
Al-Nur had reaffirmed his commitment to the peace process two days ago.
He also said that Khartoum lack of credibility conducted his movement to
ask first for the ceasefire implementation in order to protect the
civilians in Darfur; he also urged the return of the displaced to their
villages.
Bassolé, who discussed Al-Nur’s position with the Presidential
Assistant, also said he would re-contact Al-Nur to talk about the Qatari
initiative.
"I’ll call again, to explain him that the Qatari initiative could lead
to a solution for the Darfur conflict," said Bassolé.
Reliable sources in Paris said that Nafi and the chief of the Sudanese
security and intelligence services had asked to meet Al-Nur but he
turned down their request.
Asked by Sudan Tribune on Monday whether he had met the visiting
Sudanese delegation, Al-Nur said he would not meet them before the
realisation of the SLM demands on conflict suspension.
JEM says not sure about its participation in Qatari peace talks
PARIS, October 8, 2008 (ST) — Khalil Ibrahim the chairman of the rebel
Justice and Equality welcomed yesterday ongoing efforts to bring peace
in Darfur but he stressed that his movement has not yet decided to
participate in Qatar peace talks.
The Joint Chief Mediator for peace in Darfur, Djibril Bassolé met
Tuesday for the first time with the JEM chairman Khalil Ibrahim in
undisclosed area in Darfur. The two parties discussed the Qatati
initiative to host Darfur peace negotiations.
Ibrahim told the joint mediator his movement welcomes any initiative in
order to settle the ongoing conflict in Darfur. However, he underscored
the need to involve the international community through the United
Nations and the African Union in order to guarantee any agreement with
Khartoum.
The Qatari mediation comes after the failure of Libya to organise peace
negotiations in October 2007, and the change of the two peace envoy who
were considered by many as an obstacle for peace process.
Arab ministerial council formed on September 9, a ministerial body
co-chaired by the Qatari Prime Minister, Hamad bin Jasim, Chairperson of
the African Union (AU) Commission, Jean Ping and Arab League Secretary
General Amr Musa.
The panel is charged with the organisation and sponsorship of peace
talks in Qatar between the Sudanese government and the rebel movements.
Tahir Elfaki, the speaker of JEM legislative council told Sudan Tribune
that Ibrahim had informed the mediator they didn’t yet take a decision
over the Qatari initiative. He further added that a delegation would
soon fly to Doha for talks with the Qatari officials.
"We will take our decision on the Qatari initiative after the return of
the delegation" he underscored.
JEM chairman told the joint mediator that there was a need to explain
the plight of Darfur people and their cause. "Doha till now listens to
one point of view. They have to hear the other side," Elfaki said.
The rebel movement also informed the chief mediator they would not
commit themselves to any ceasefire before the signing of a lasting peace
deal.
Last year Khalil Ibrahim had already announced that he would not lay
down arms during peace talks. The rebel leader explained his position by
the lack of confidence on the government.
"There is no goodwill from the other side. This is only a trick," he
said in September 2007. The rebel movement says Khartoum during Abuja
talks violated constantly the signed truce and they do not want to
commit the same error.
Darfur civil society, tribal leaders discuss peace and reconciliation
NYALA, October 8, 2008 (ST) – Darfur civil society and tribal leaders
met Wednesday at the Nyala University Center for Peace and Development
Studies for consultations to voice their opinions and views to achieve
sustainable peace and reconciliation in the troubled region of western
Sudan.
Facilitated by the Darfur – Darfur Dialogue and Consultation (DDDC), an
autonomous and non-politicized process owned by Darfurians, more than 45
Nyala civil society and tribal leaders discussed a wide range of topics
to identify common ground issues during day one of the two-day
consultation.
In collaboration with the University Center for Peace and Development
Studies in Nyala and El Fasher and in coordination with the United
Nations – African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) Civil Affairs
Department, the DDDC is facilitating consultations with specific
stakeholders, including women, youth, and internally displaced persons
(IDPs), in other areas of North and South Darfur throughout October.
By facilitating a broad and inclusive consultation process, the DDDC is
helping Darfurians discuss and find solutions to the root causes of the
conflict in Darfur. Working closely with its partners and stakeholders,
the process will feed Darfurian views learned during today’s
consultations, and those conducted in the future, into the Darfur peace
process.
According to the Declaration of Principles of July 2005 and the Darfur
Peace Agreement (DPA) of May 2006, the DDDC is perceived as mechanism to
secure popular support to the peace process.
However, the rebel Justice and Equality which is opposed to the DPA,
this process should only be implemented once a comprehensive peace
agreement is signed by all the warring parties.
"This DDDC can only be held in a healthy environment following the end
of hostilities and violence because it means to give the ownership of
the peace agreement to all the people of Darfur including the different,
political, tribal and social forces but not in this acrobatic way," said
JEM spokesperson Ahmed Hussein Adam in a statement to Sudan Tribune
earlier this year.
South Sudan, ILO to jointly combat child labour and poverty
JUBA, October 8, 2008 (ST) – The Government of Southern Sudan (GoSS) is
expected to sign a Partnership Protocol with the International Labour
Organization (ILO) next week in Juba to implement a four-year project
aimed at combating child labour through education.
According to a press release issued on Wednesday by its branch office in
Juba, ILO’s International Programme on Elimination of Child Labour
(IPECL) has received unspecified support from the European Commission
(EC) to implement the new programme.
The programme covers eleven African, Caribbean and Pacific countries of
which Sudan is one.
The overall objective of the programme is to contribute to poverty
reduction in the participating countries by providing equitable access
to basic education and skills development to some of the most
disadvantaged segments of society.
The project will also strengthen the capacity of national and local
authorities in the formulation, implementation and enforcement of
policies to fight child labour in coordination with social partners and
civil society.
Salva Kiir reinstates Lakes speaker, ending political turmoil
RUMBEK, October 8, 2008 (ST) – The President of Southern Sudan and First
Vice President of the Republic of Sudan Salva Kiir Mayardit said that
Lakes State Speaker Isaiah Alier Mashinkok and his deputy Marik Nanga
Marik who had been impeached on Sept. 24, 2008, should absolutely resume
their duty in Lakes State Assembly.
Kiir confirmed that the procedures used to impeach the legislators from
their positions had been incorrect. “Definitely Lakes parliament is to
resume its normal function under Speaker Honorable Mashinkok and his
deputy honorable Marik Nanga Marik," he said.
“The yesterday meeting ended very well, reconciliation has been made and
everybody has been told the truth. Whatever the complication that might
have been happening has been put straight and everyone is now happy,”
said Kiir.
Kiir regretted that he had to leave Lakes community without having had
time to address the public. “I am going to talk again in Juba but I was
looking forward to articulate to Lakes state community and to apologize
to them over the Lakes state atrocity that were committed by Sudan
People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) soldiers during the firearm search in
Rumbek town on Sept. 8, 2008. I am going and I will be back to Rumbek to
tour all eight counties of Lakes state including Wulu, Cueibet, Yirol
and so on … I need all community of Lakes state to be patient.”
Kiir noted finally that Rumbek University construction funds are still
in Khartoum in the Republican office and are supposed to be allocated
from Khartoum by the office of the President of the Republic of Sudan,
as promised by President Bashir in 2006. Since this has not happened,
said Kiir, “we in the government of Southern Sudan met with University
chancellor and the committee and we had given them some cash to start
establishing the office in Rumbek and to buy car to facilitate their
movement with.”
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