Rebels withdrew from the negotiations; Khartoum proposes federation for Darfur
Sudan, Politics, 12/27/2004

The Sudanese foreign minister Mustafa Othman Ismael announced for the first time on Sunday that his government will propose, during the negotiations in Abuja with Darfur rebels, federal rule, as a framework for the political solution, at a time when rebels withdrew from the negotiations because of the "attacks" of the Sudanese forces in the district.

Ismael said in Cairo yesterday that "the current round of negotiations in Abuja will discuss the declaration of principles for the political solution which is represented in a federal rule that allows the district to lay a constitution which does not contradict with the federal constitution." He added that the Sudanese government will also propose during the negotiations that "governments of states ( in Darfur) to assume internal affairs and the participation of the " district" in the federal cabinet and representing it according to population weight (percentage).

He accused Darfur's rebels of committing acts of "stealing" when they had felt that there are pressures on the Sudanese government." Meantime, the Sudan's liberation movement and the justice and equity movement withdrew from the peace talks in Abuja and accused the Sudanese government of violating the cease fire agreement regularly. However, the rebels said later they will not leave the Nigerian capital immediately and they are ready to make official consultations.

Member of the Sudan's Liberation Front, Ibrahim Bahhar, said "we have withdrawn from the negotiations until matters return back to what had been before (in military ground positions). We got a clear commitment from the Sudanese government it will stop its attack." He added "we are open to the consultations but will not attend the meetings." On the other hand, the Sudanese al-Islah and al-Ummah party announced on late Sunday evening its withdrawal from the government opening thereby the door before a political crisis in Khartoum.

The party assistant deputy chairman Zahawi Ibrahim Malik said that 14 "executive officials" including four ministers from the central government and 10 in the districts decided to resign.

Previous Stories:
  Peace agreement on southern Sudan expected next month   (12/25/2004)
  Bush signs draft law imposing sanctions on Sudan   (12/24/2004)
  Libyan mediation efforts in Sudan   (12/21/2004)

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