October 18, 2009 (LONDON) — Russian special envoy to Sudan, Mikhail Margelov, would meet the leader of the rebel Justice and Equality Movement in a bid to establish contacts with all Darfur stakeholders.

Russian envoy Mikhail Margelov (AFP)

The move came after the organization of a workshop in Moscow earlier this month to discuss ways to end the six-year conflict in Darfur attended by Sudan’s envoys from permanent members of UN Security Council, African Union, Arab League and European Union.

JEM Spokesperson Ahmed Hussein Adam confirmed to Sudan Tribune that the Russian envoy has asked to meet with JEM leader Dr. Khalil Ibrahim saying they would soon fix a date for the meeting.

"We received a demand from Mr. Maragelov and we welcome the move. In the upcoming days we will arrange a meeting with Dr. Khalil Ibrahim."

"We welcome this initiative because we believe Russia as a member in the UN Security Council has to listen to all the parties and not deal only with the government," he added.

Margelov was quoted by Russian state media in the closing session of the experts’ workshop as saying that a peace settlement in the largest country in Africa "depends on joint and coordinated efforts of all parties engaged in the conflict".

However, the rebel group had slammed the meeting saying they were not consulted and Moscow did not make any efforts to hear their point of view on the resolution of the conflict.

The permanent members of the UN Security Council committed themselves to support the efforts done by the mediation in Doha to end Darfur conflict. All the other permanent members including China met with rebel groups to listen to their point of view.

(ST)