AFRICAN UNION

AFRICAN UNION MISSION IN THE SUDAN (AMIS) HQs

UNION AFRICAINE
UNIأO AFRICANA
P. O. Box 8372, Khartoum, SUDAN Tel.: (0183) 582207/9, Fax: (0183) 582206
Email: [email protected]

PRESS RELEASE

AU SPECIAL ENVOY FOR DARFUR STARTED CONSULTATIONS IN KHARTOUM

In the framework of the preparation for the resumption of the Abuja inter-Sudanese Peace Talks on Darfur scheduled for 15th September 2005, Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim, AU Special Envoy for the talks on Darfur, arrived in Khartoum today 30 August 2005 and was received by Dr. Magzoub Khalifa, Ag. Minister of Agriculture and Head of the delegation of the Government of the Sudan to the Peace Talks.

On the first day of his three days visit, Dr. Salim met with the first Vice President Lt. Gen. Salva Kiir Mayardit and Vice President Ali Osman Mohammed Taha as well as the Ag. Foreign Minister Dr Mustafa Osman Ismail and the Ag. Minister of Justice Mr. Ali Mohammed Yassin. The AU Special Envoy briefed the Sudanese Authorities on the ongoing efforts by the AU to create conducive environment to ensure the success of the next and crucial round of Talks during which substantive issues as power sharing, wealth sharing and security arrangements will be discussed.

The Sudanese Officials reiterated their government’s support for the leading role of the AU in resolving the Darfur conflict as well as their confidence in Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim as Chief Mediator whose rich experience in dealing with conflicts in the Continent is an important asset in the management of the Abuja Peace Talks.

In the course of his meetings, Dr. Salim exchanged views especially with the key International Partners of the African Union as well as the Representatives of the Member States of the AU in Khartoum.

Dr. Salim will be traveling tomorrow 31 August 2005 to Darfur to visit the AMIS Force Headquarters in El Fasher and to hold consultations with the other Sudanese Parties involved in the negotiations in Abuja.

The AU Special Envoy will return to Khartoum on Thursday 1st September 2005 to round up his visit with further consultations with the Sudanese Authorities.