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Delegates to UN-backed gathering on Darfur endorse draft document on peace pact

Delegates to UN-backed gathering on Darfur endorse draft document on peace pact

International observers attending the All Darfur Stakeholders Conference in Doha, Qatar
United Nations-backed inclusive consultations on the conflict in the Sudanese region of Darfur has ended in the Qatari capital, Doha, with delegates voicing support for a draft document that will form the basis of a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive peace agreement.

United Nations-backed inclusive consultations on the conflict in the Sudanese region of Darfur has ended in the Qatari capital, Doha, with delegates voicing support for a draft document that will form the basis of a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive peace agreement.

The All Darfur Stakeholders Conference “called on the Government of Sudan and the Armed Movements to make every effort to reach a permanent ceasefire and a comprehensive peace settlement on the basis of this document,” the delegates said at the end of the five-day meeting yesterday.

The gathering brought together high-ranking representatives of the Government of Sudan, Darfur movements, civil society delegates, representatives of internally displaced persons (IDPs), Sudanese political party leaders and elected members of state legislatures and the national parliament from Darfur.

In their final communiqué, participants noted that significant progress had been made on compensation and return of IDPs and refugees; power sharing and administrative status of Darfur; wealth sharing; human rights and fundamental freedoms; permanent ceasefire and final security arrangements; and mechanism for internal dialogue and implementation modalities.

The conference, however, noted that despite the progress in the negotiations, the security situation in Darfur remained precarious.

“Given the direct humanitarian consequences of this situation, the Conference called upon the Doha negotiating parties to abide by the ceasefire and cessation of hostilities agreements already signed.

“The conference strongly urged all the other armed movements of Darfur and the Government of Sudan to end hostilities and to sign a ceasefire agreement with the Government of Sudan,” said the participants.

In a related development, the UN-African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur (UNAMID) reported yesterday that several humanitarian organizations were able to access the Kalma IDP camp to provide assistance to residents. Authorities had restricted entrance to the camp since 17 May.