PRESS STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF COMMANDERS CONFERENCE

UNCLAS KHARTOUM 000085 SIPDIS SIPDIS DEPT FOR AF/SPG, AF/SE, AND AF/PD E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL PGOV KPAO AU SU UN SUBJECT: PRESS STATEMENT IN SUPPORT OF COMMANDERS CONFERENCE ¶1. Post issued a press statement on January 21 supporting UN and African Union (AU) efforts to facilitate a conference of Darfur Peace Agreement non-signatory military commanders and to encourage the Sudanese Government to provide the security assurances necessary for the conference to proceed. ¶2. The text of the press statement is as follows: (Begin text) -- The Embassy of the United States calls for the early resumption of political talks involving signatories and non-signatories of the Darfur Peace Agreement aimed at establishing a cessation of hostilities and a lasting peace in Darfur. -- The United States supports the efforts of the African Union and the United Nations to facilitate in the coming days a meeting of non-signatory military commanders in order to lay a foundation for a broader political dialogue, as stipulated in the conclusions to the November 16 UN/AU meeting in Addis Ababa. -- The United States calls on non-signatories to seek a peaceful resolution of the crisis in Darfur within the framework of the Darfur Peace Agreement and to work with the Government of National Unity and the Sudan Liberation Movement/Minni Minawi to resolve remaining disputes peacefully. -- The United States calls on the Government of Sudan to respond positively to the request from the African Union for assurances that such a meeting of non-signatory commanders can take place under secure conditions. (End text) HUME