AU TALKS ON DARFUR: DAY 1

UNCLAS ABUJA 001797 SIPDIS SENSITIVE E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM EAID MOPS MARR NI SU SUBJECT: AU TALKS ON DARFUR: DAY 1 SENSITIVE BUT UNCLASSIFIED. NOT FOR PUBLICATION ON THE INTERNET OR INTRANET. ¶1. (U) The talks started October 21, but the plenary session was postponed because many delegation members were still not in Abuja. The talks will resume formally on Monday, October 25, although Friday, October 22 has been set aside for consultations. General Okonkwo has indicated that a Joint Commission meeting may be held on Sunday. ¶2. (SBU) The large GOS delegation arrived in Abuja just before the opening ceremony October 21. JEM had three in attendance, with most of their delegation stuck in Libya waiting for clearance for their plane to depart, and the remainder in N'djamena. SLM had four in attendance, with the remainder of their delegation still in Asmara and N'djamena. The AU has provided assurance that they will provide a charter aircraft to move the N'djamena group to Abuja on either October 22 or 23. ¶3. (U) Khartoum minimize considered. CAMPBELL