The Hindu : International : Sudan holds talks with rebels

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Tuesday, Aug 24, 2004

International

International

Sudan holds talks with rebels

ABUJA (NIGERIA), AUG. 23. The Sudanese Government and rebels delegates met on Monday for talks to resolve the crisis in western Darfur a week before a U.N. deadline expires for the Government to disarm the mostly Arab pro-government militias terrorising the region.

The international community was closely watching the African Union-brokered talks for signs of an African solution to the 18-month conflict that has killed tens of thousands and driven 1.2 million from their homes.

The talks were organised by the Nigerian President, Olusegun Obasanjo, who is also president of the African Union. ``Let me emphasise that we need to act quickly, especially in light of the U.N. Security Council resolution ... which embodies the concerns and impatience of the international community on the humanitarian situation in Darfur,'' Mr. Obasanjo said, opening the talks.

The United Nations, the United States and others accuse the Sudanese Government of backing pro-government Janjaweed militia in a violent ethnic-cleansing campaign of killing, rape and razing communities.

The 15-nation Security Council is due to consider what action to take at the end of August, with options ranging from extending the deadline for another 30 days to imposing punitive measures. Going into Monday's talks, delegates from the Sudan Liberation Army and Justice and Equality Movement expressed optimism.

— AP

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