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