NIGERIA: REACTION TO APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL ENVOY

C O N F I D E N T I A L ABUJA 002330 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/17/2006 TAGS: PREL SU NI SUBJECT: NIGERIA: REACTION TO APPOINTMENT OF SPECIAL ENVOY FOR SUDAN PEACE REF: STATE 153144 Classified by CDA Andrews for reason 1.5 (b) ¶1. On September 15 Mission received the following letter from Ambassador Femi George, Director of African Affairs for the GON Ministry of Foreign Affairs. ¶2. I acknowledge, with thanks, receipt of your letter dated 6 September 2001 on the appointment of former Senator John C. Danforth from Missouri as President Bush's special Envoy for Sudan Peace. While noting that the priority of your government is the plight of civilians, who have suffered most from this conflict, I hasten to add that only an effective and durable political solution to the crisis will assure the success of any humanitarian action in that regard. It is in this respect therefore that I hope that your government will undertake genuine efforts in a comprehensive resolution of this long drawn crisis in the Sudan. Furthermore, it is re-assuring that the appointment of the Special Envoy for the Sudan Peace is not intended to supplant or undermine the existing peace initiatives. I am full of hope that this assurance includes Nigeria's ongoing initiatives in the Sudan. While thanking you for the confidence in sending me this information in advance please accept the assurances of my highest regard. Ambassador Femi George Andrews