Awwad on Egypt's role in Darfur

Egypt's Presidential spokesman Soliman Awwad has described the Egyptian role in Darfur peace process as "basic and major."

He added that Egypt maintained, since Darfur conflict has broken out, open channels with all parties, governmental and rebel groups.

Meanwhile, Jaafar Monroe, Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) spokesman said that Egypt is playing a key role in the Darfur peace efforts thanks to time-honored ties binding Egypt and Sudan.

Monroe called on the Arab world to deal with Darfur question as a threat to Arab national security.

Monroe said the government needed to exert more effort on Darfur and look upon the situation there as a political rather than a security or a tribal issue.