Sudan: Darfur Peace Talks Break Down Before They Start

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

http://allafrica.com/stories/200407190010.html

>snip
Peace talks aimed at ending 17-months of conflict between the Sudanese government and two rebel groups in the Darfur region broke down on Sunday before negotiations had even begun. The talks, which were aimed at finding a political solution to the conflict, had opened two days earlier, on 15 July.

The African Union mediators held separate consultations with the Sudanese government representatives and the rebels, after an initial meeting ended in what was reported as a mutual "shouting match".

The Sudan Liberation Movement/Army and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) rebels put forward a number of preconditions to holding political talks: disarmament of the Janjawid and the removal of those of them absorbed by the police and army; respect for the 8 April ceasefire; an end to impunity for the perpetrators of crimes and an inquiry into allegations of genocide; unimpeded humanitarian access; release of prisoners of war; and a "neutral" venue for future talks, which did not include Ethiopia.

The coordinator of JEM, Ahmed Jugod, told IRIN that unless these basic demands were met they would not engage in a political dialogue with Khartoum.
>snip

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

1. kick!

[havocmom]

2. John Majok wrote that the US Congress is working on a bill to declare

genocide in Sudan. We need to write them and implore them to hurry.

My daughter sent him link to your poll about countries in Africa which need our attention. He thanked for the site (the DU)

I hope John does not mind me posting a quote from his email:

With your pressure and prayers, anything good will come out soon and I mean SOON.
Thanks
John

Here is a link for all you evilDUers who want to help the people of Sudan.
http://www.webslingerz.com/jhoffman/congress-email.html

Please write/call/email your congress critters and insist they declare that there is genocide going on in the Sudan. This will mean the US and UN must take action as demanded by the UN Genocide Treaty to stop the killing.

Please tell your friends that there are people who need our help.

thank you & peace

[ChavezSpeakstheTruth]

3. Thanks Havocmom - we'll get people involved!

:toast: