UNION AFRICAINE

UNIأO AFRICANA
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PRESS RELEASE NO. 49

7th ROUND OF THE INTER-SUDANESE PEACE TALKS
OF THE CONFLICT IN DARFUR

The Sudanese Parties Receive the “Final Status Security
Agreement for Darfur”

The AU Mediation, yesterday, presented to the Sudanese Parties – GoS, SLM/A and JEM – the “Final Status Security Agreement for Darfur”, at a late night Plenary Session of the Security Arrangements Commission chaired by Ambassador Sam B. Ibok.

In presenting the Document to the Parties, Ambassador Ibok indicated that the Document reflects a careful balance of the concerns and positions expressed by the Parties, and concludes the proposals of the Mediation on the “Enhanced Ceasefire Agreement” previously submitted to the Parties on 6 April 2006. He appealed to all sides to seriously consider the Document in all serenity and to submit written and oral reaction to the Mediation by Monday 24 April 2006, to facilitate the negotiations on a final peace package that would incorporate the proposals on Power and Wealth Sharing. In the interim, Ambassador Ibok strongly urged the Parties to exercise maximum restraint and to refrain from making statements in the Media which do not help the negotiations. He acknowledged that the ongoing consultations between the Sudanese Vice-President and the Movements, have the potential to facilitate an early Agreement in Abuja. He however, warned that time was of the essence as the AU Mediation would strive to meet the deadline set by the AU Peace and Security Council for the negotiations to conclude a Comprehensive Peace Package.

Earlier, the Coordinator of the Security Arrangements Commission General Chris Garuba, made a brief presentation on the Document which provides for the disarmament of the Janjaweed; the Integration of former Combatants into the Sudan Armed Forces and other National Security Institutions; their Assembly, Disarmament and Demobilization; and their Social and Economic Reintegration, among others issues.

Abuja, 23rd April 2006

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