November 4, 2009 (WASHINGTON) – The joint United Nations – African Union chief mediator for Darfur Dijibril Bassole met on Wedh with the leader of Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) Abdel-Wahid Al-Nur in the French capital.

Djibril Bassole

Al-Nur told Sudan Tribune that the discussions focused on the security, humanitarian and peace as the main tenants of a peaceful resolution for the Darfur conflict.

The SLM chief described the talks he held with Bassole as “fruitful and constructive” adding that he looks forward to continuing dialogue with the mediator.

“We believe in peace and creating the necessary environment to achieve it by providing security on the ground. We will be the first to come to the negotiating table when that happens” he said.

“We wish Bassole success in his efforts to make these conditions happen for peace to materialize” Al-Nur added.

This is the first meeting between the two men since last February.

Al Nur the founder of the SLM rejects peace talks before disarmament of government militias and the return of IDP’s to their homeland.

Talks between the Sudanese government and the Justice and Equality Movement (JEM) rebels that started in Qatar last February are currently at deadlock as JEM insists on the implementation of two clauses included in the goodwill agreement they signed: the release of its fighters detained by Khartoum and the humanitarian situation.

(ST)