Annan stresses AU's role in Darfur

UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan on Saturday stressed the role of the African Union (AU) in solving the crisis in Sudan's war-torn western region of Darfur, Sudan's official SUNA news agency reported.

During his meeting with Governor of south Darfur state Al-Haj Ata-el-Mannan in Niyala, capital of the state, Annan said the situation in Darfur has improved because of the AU's efforts to seek a solution to the crisis.

Annan called for supporting the AU's mission in Darfur, and urged the international community to help those suffering in Darfur.

He stressed the need to restore security and stability in Darfur, pointing out that Sudan needs a comprehensive peace to realize stability, development and reconstruction.

He stressed the importance of political dialogue between the government and Darfur rebel groups and the need to create a suitable atmosphere for the success of the next round of peace talks in Abuja, Nigeria, on June 10.

Annan also visited Labado town, 70 km away from Niyala, and received a report from the AU mission on the situation there and efforts of the mission to normalize the situation.

Annan arrived in Khartoum on Friday for a three-day visit to Sudan.

The AU has deployed over 2,270 soldiers to monitor a ceasefire in Darfur. The AU has announced that a new round of peace talks between the Sudanese government and Darfur rebels will be held on June 10 in the Nigerian capital Abuja.

So far, peace efforts have foundered as rounds of talks in Abujafailed to hammer out a settlement.

Darfur rebels took up arms in Sudan's arid western Darfur regionagainst the government in February 2003. Many people have been killed during two years of violence and more displaced.

Source: Xinhua