By Xinhua
Brussels : The European Union (EU) Tuesday said the consensus reached at the international meeting in Arusha, north Tanzania, to resolve the Darfur conflict politically has moved the west Sudanese region closer to peace.
“The prospect of peace in Darfur has moved a significant step closer,” said Javier Solana, EU’s foreign policy chief.
Solana was commenting on the consensus arrived at an international meeting of envoys from the African Union (AU), the EU and the leaders of the warring Darfur militias in Arusha to resolve the conflict politically. The meeting concluded Monday.
“The outcome of the African Union (AU)/United Nations (UN) brokered Arusha meeting on peace in Darfur is very encouraging. The common position among essential non-signatory movements is an achievement, which holds the promise of peace negotiations in the coming months,” he said.
Solana attributed the current political momentum to the UN Security Council decision to deploy the AU/UN Hybrid Operation in Darfur.
The UN Security Council voted unanimously July 31 to approve the deployment of a 26,000-strong joint AU/UN peacekeeping force in Darfur, which has an initial mandate of 12 months.
Solana pledged the EU’s continued support for the peace process in Darfur and urged all parties – the rebel movements and the government of Sudan – to live up to their commitments.
“Now is the time to engage and demonstrate genuine dedication to put an end to this crisis,” he said.
At the end of the Arusha meeting, rebel factions in Darfur agreed to adopt a common negotiating position and resume peace talks with the government within three months.
The meeting had been scheduled to conclude on Sunday but was prolonged for another day for further consultations.
Despite repeated calls by the international community and the Sudanese government, no new peace talks have been held since Khartoum signed a peace agreement with only one of the main rebel factions in May 2006.