AU Security Council call for peace talks in SUDAN

The members of the Security Council have called on all parties to engage in peace talks in Sudan.

Their call came after they received a briefing from former South African President Thabo Mbeki and African Union Commission Chairperson Jean Ping on 21 December on the report and recommendations of the African Union High-level Implementation Panel on Darfur, and subsequent decisions of the African Union Peace and Security Council.

The members of the Security Council welcomed the report and underlined their appreciation for the balanced and comprehensive nature of the recommendations to promote peace, justice and reconciliation in Darfur and Sudan as a whole.

According to a press statement, “They looked forward to the implementation of a holistic approach to the problems facing Sudan and supported efforts aimed at the peaceful and democratic transformation of Sudan, in line with the provisions of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement.”

The members of the Security Council agreed with the report that the causes and consequences of the conflict in Darfur have yet to be addressed.

They reiterated their support for United Nations Mission in the Sudan (UNMIS) and the African Union-United Nations Hybrid Operation in Darfur (UNAMID), and for the work of the United Nations-African Union Joint Chief Mediator, Djibril Bassolé, to promote a lasting political settlement for Darfur.

They also reiterated their call for all parties that have not yet done so to fully commit to and participate in peace talks.

The members of the Security Council called for the Government of Sudan and other parties in Sudan and the region to work with President Mbeki and his colleagues in coordination with the international community as appropriate.

Source:gazettebw.com/

US urges restraint after Sudan unrest

WASHINGTON — The United States on Tuesday condemned political violence and arrests in Sudan in the wake of unrest in the troubled African country, and urged Khartoum to "allow freedom of expression and peaceful demonstrations."

"I am deeply concerned about these developments and urge all parties to exercise restraint," said US special envoy to the country Scott Gration.

"Negotiations on issues of urgent importance to all of the Sudanese people cannot proceed in an atmosphere of intimidation," he said.

Sudanese police detained three senior opposition figures and dozens of demonstrators from the south's ruling party on Monday as part of a wide crackdown against a planned protest.

Southern protesters responded by torching offices of Sudan's ruling National Congress Party (NCP).

Washington "calls on all parties to create an atmosphere conducive to credible elections," said State Department spokesman Ian Kelly.

"We condemn all acts of violence in Sudan and call for restraint and dialogue among all parties."

The former southern rebels, the People's Liberation Movement (SPLM), and President Omar al-Beshir's NCP have failed to agree on democratic reforms ahead of next April's elections and on a procedural law for the south's referendum scheduled for January 2011.

Next year's elections are a critical component of the fragile peace agreement, and "all parties must work to effect serious reforms" beforehand, Kelly said in a statement.

"Freedom of assembly, freedom of speech, and protection from against arbitrary arrest and detention are fundamental human rights that must be respected," he added.

Source:http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5gIBjlZHzcRJJuAJte2s9qrnPj4Pw