Russian MFA Spokesman Andrei Nesterenko Response to Media Query on Darfur Peace Agreement

Question: How can you comment on reports about the agreement reached in the capital of Qatar between the government of Sudan and the Darfur rebel movement?

Answer: As far as is known from reports that came in, a framework agreement on cessation of hostilities between the Sudanese government and one of the major opposition politico-military groups in Darfur, the Justice and Equality Movement, was signed in Doha last night. Although the agreement reached through active mediation is interim and partial, it is regarded as a substantial step forward in unblocking the political process.

Evidence for such importance was the attendance of the Emir of Qatar and the Presidents of Sudan, Chad and Eritrea at the signing ceremony.

Under this document both parties agreed firstly on an immediate ceasefire and secondly on the continuation of talks on the basis of the concerted principles for settlement with the aim of finishing them by mid-March. This meets the task set by official Khartoum of achieving peace and security in Darfur before a general election in Sudan in April this year.

It should be noted that simultaneously with this event in Doha came the announcement of a fusion of ten Darfur groups into a joint "negotiation team," which of course makes it easier to forge dialogue. But four groups represented in the Qatar capital remain outside this bloc, let alone the fact that such a large Darfur faction as the Sudan Liberation Movement of el-Nur is still boycotting the Doha talks.

Russia, assisting international mediation in Darfur, proceeds from the assumption that there is no alternative to advancing the resumed negotiation process, commends the positive shifts, and hopes for its early finalization in the shape of a realizable all-embracing peace agreement. We will actively support efforts being made toward this end.

February 24, 2010