Agreement of principle between government, Darfur rebels

The Sudanese government and the two rebel movements in Darfur have settled the first obstacle in the face of peace negotiations in Abuja, Nigeria, by sgning an agreement of principles that would open the door before a peaceful solution for the conflict which started more than two years ago in this intensified district located to the west of Sudan.

The announcement which was prepared by the African Union, in consultations with sides of the conflict, included the principle of honoring the unity of the Sudanese territories, supporting democracy "justice and equality" for all regardless of their race, sex and religion.

The document which is composed of three pages included the authority transfer, and giving the people of Darfur a role in the government. The participants in the meeting also agreed on means of guaranteeing best distribution of the authority and wealth in the district.

The agreement also included calls to bring refugees back to their homes and introduce new security measures to support security in the district.