April 28, 2007 (N’DJAMENA) — A Darfur rebel coalition said not concerned by the presence of its leaders in Libya to attend an international meeting on Darfur crisis.

“The National Redemption Front (NRF) advises that it has not mandated Ibrahim Diraige for its representation at the Libyan Darfur Talks planned for April 28th 07” said a press release issued by the rebel group.

The NRF is created on June 30, 2006 in Asmara by: Justice & Equality Movement of Khalil Ibrahim 3. Sudan Federal Democratic Alliance of Ahmed Diraige and a faction of the Sudan Liberation Movement led by Khamis Abdalla Abakr.

Since, structures of the NRF have not yet been agreed upon and no offices have been allocated.

It seems that difference over the leadership of the NRF impedes establishment of the executive body of the rebel coalition.

The former governor of Darfur, Ahmed Diraige, who is from the Fur ethnic group, reportedly requests the presidency of the NRF but other allied groups refuse to consent to this demand. Diraige has no armed troops on the ground and rejected by the rebels from his ethnic group.

Libya said today that Sirte conference is dedicated for the international parties concerned with the conflict to express their points of view on how to end Darfur crisis.

"This important conference is being held in the absence of the Sudanese opposition, for whom another conference will be held soon in Tripoli," he added in reference to rebel groups in Darfur. Libya’s Deputy Foreign Minister Ali Abdelsalam Triki told the press without elaborating.

(ST)