"We (the government) hope that Chad continues its crucial role to enhance political settlement of the Darfur conflict," Ismail told journalists here Wednesday, but noted "we can't compel Chad to do so."

On Tuesday a senior aide of President Idriss Deby announced that Chad was suspending its mediation in the Darfur conflict that has reportedly claimed over 150,000 lives and uprooted millions of others, some seeking refuge in neighbouring Chad.

"We cannot be pursuing efforts to reconcile a country that seeks to destabilise Chad," presidential adviser Ahmed Allam-mi declared, days after N'djamena accused Khartoum of providing a base for a 3,000-strong armed Chadian opposition group.

Reacting to the announcement, Ismail reiterated that "Chad has the right to take any action it thinks could stabilise security along its borders. We have told the Chadians this previously."