ALGERIA PLEASED WITH DARFUR AGREEMENT

UNCLAS ALGIERS 000855 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PHUM SU AG SUBJECT: ALGERIA PLEASED WITH DARFUR AGREEMENT ¶1. In a May 7 communique issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA),the Government of Algeria expressed its "satisfaction" with the conclusion of a peace agreement to resolve the Darfur crisis. Algeria "rejoices in this positive development" and wishes that the "parties who are not yet signatories will agree to it as soon as possible to allow the agreement to realize its full potential." ¶2. Algeria, the communique continued, saluted the African Union heads of state who "promoted this peaceful solution to a conflict of utmost concern to the international community." Algeria also rendered homage "to the partners of Africa for their positive role...in rallying all the actors in the conflict around this agreement and the peaceful dynamic which is expected from it." The communique concluded by expressing Algeria's hope that "this peace agreement will begin an era of stability and prosperity for the Republic of Sudan as well as for the African continent in its entirety." ¶3. At a May 7 state lunch for the visiting leader of Mauritania, President Bouteflika added: "It is with immense joy" that we learned of the agreement. "We are equally calling on the international community...to support the efforts of the parties in conflict to reach a definitive settlement of the Darfur crisis in close collaboration with the African Union." ERDMAN