Sudan gov't vows to peacefully settle Darfur conflict

KHARTOUM, Nov. 23 -- The Sudanese government is committed to peacefully solving the Darfur conflict, Ghazi Salahuddin, adviser to the Sudanese president, said on Monday.

Following talks with a visiting delegation of the African Union's Peace and Security Council (AUPSC), he said "we have affirmed to the delegation seriousness of the government, and its commitment to find a peaceful solution to the conflict in Darfur through intensifying political efforts and the Sudanese-Chadian relations."

"We have briefed the delegation on the situation in Sudan generally, and responded to their queries on the country's political issues, including the referendum on self-determination for south Sudan," Salahuddin said.

The Sudanese official described the delegation's visit to Sudan as "exploratory," saying that the delegation would review progress in implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) inked between north and south Sudan in 2005 and the Darfur issue.

Rwandan Permanent Representative to the AUPSC and head of the delegation, Joseph Nsengiman, said that they have sensed the seriousness of the Sudanese government to resolve the Darfur issue and negotiate with the armed movements.

"We have received commitments from the Sudanese government as to realization of development and stability in Darfur and improvement of the security and humanitarian situations there," he said in a statement.

The AUPSC delegation arrived in Khartoum Monday on a three-day visit, during which they will hold talks with Sudanese officials, visit Darfur and south Sudan.