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Statement
of the African Union mediation on the political
dialogue on the crisis in Darfur
At the
invitation of the African union, Representatives
of the Government of Sudan, the Sudan Liberation
Movement/Army and the Justice and Equality
Movement, met at the AU Headquarters from 15 to
17 July 2004 to deliberate on conditions towards
a comprehensive political settlement of the
crisis in the Darfur region.
The meeting is a
continuation of the process of dialogue between
the Sudanese parties which led to the Agreements
reached on 8 and 25 April in Ndjamena, Chad,
including the Humanitarian Ceasefire Agreement.
This process is undertaken at the recommendation
of the Peace and Security Council and the
Assembly of the Heads of State and Government on
their third meeting held from 6 to 10 July 2004.
The meeting was
held in the full awareness of the serious
humanitarian conditions unfolding in Darfur, and
with a powerful sense of urgency to address the
root causes of the conflict.
The parties gave
their respective assessment of progress made
towards the implementation of the N'djamena
Agreements. It was strongly underlined that
progress in the implementation of these
Agreements was crucial to create a conducive
atmosphere for progress in the political talks.
The Mediation felt
that the Ceasefire Commission and the Joint
Commission provide an adequate mechanism for the
implementation of these Agreements. There is an
urgent need to accelerate the implementation
process, particularly in the area of ensuring
security and commitments entered into must be
fulfilled without delay by all sides.
It has been agreed
that contacts and consultations with the parties
will be intensified to determine the next steps
of the political dialogue.
I would like to
express my profound appreciation to the parties
for making it possible! For us to meet and
reflect on the crisis in Darfur. We note that
the government did send a large delegation and
we also note the fact that due to unfortunate
circumstances the delegations of the SLM/A and
JEM could not join us fully. as has been seed by
all repeatedly, this is the beginning of
process.
We on our part are
determined to do our utmost to consolidate
the process leading towards a comprehensive
political settlement to the crisis.
We would also like
to thank our partners for their valuable input
and continued support to the process.
In conclusion, I
would like also to underline firm commitment to
move forward and expedite the resumption of the
talks at the earliest time possible.
Addis Ababa, 17
July 2004
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