Sudan launches peace initiative

KHARTOUM – Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir yesterday launched his “people’s initiative” for peace in Darfur with an elaborate ceremony attended by regional dignitaries but no rebels involved in fighting.

“Despite the difficulties and the obstacles … we announce our resolve to find a definitive solution this time,” Bashir told a large hall crammed with officials in the Sudanese capital.Numerous initiatives have been started to bring peace to the western Sudanese region since rebels there rose up against Khartoum almost six years ago, complaining of marginalisation, but all have failed.Critics say Bashir’s plan, which will involve talks today and recommendations for peace tomorrow, is aimed at distracting attention from potential Darfur war crimes charges against him by the International Criminal Court.”The fundamental solutions to the problem in Darfur …lie in its comprehensive and balanced development and a decentralised administrative system,” Beshir said, promising 250 million dollars in aid for Darfur.Arab League Secretary General Amr Mussa warned that the initiative, boycotted by several Sudanese opposition parties and all active Darfur rebels, could not afford to fail.”The invitation is extended to everyone, whatever their differences of opinion or position, to join the rest of their people and discuss Sudan’s problems with trust, frankly and transparently,” he said.Nampa-AFPwe announce our resolve to find a definitive solution this time,” Bashir told a large hall crammed with officials in the Sudanese capital.Numerous initiatives have been started to bring peace to the western Sudanese region since rebels there rose up against Khartoum almost six years ago, complaining of marginalisation, but all have failed.Critics say Bashir’s plan, which will involve talks today and recommendations for peace tomorrow, is aimed at distracting attention from potential Darfur war crimes charges against him by the International Criminal Court.”The fundamental solutions to the problem in Darfur …lie in its comprehensive and balanced development and a decentralised administrative system,” Beshir said, promising 250 million dollars in aid for Darfur.Arab League Secretary General Amr Mussa warned that the initiative, boycotted by several Sudanese opposition parties and all active Darfur rebels, could not afford to fail.”The invitation is extended to everyone, whatever their differences of opinion or position, to join the rest of their people and discuss Sudan’s problems with trust, frankly and transparently,” he said.Nampa-AFP