Britain's top diplomat Straw to attend Darfur peace talks

On February 3, 2006 the UK set a list of priority actions on Darfur for the new Sudanese Government of National Unity.

Today, AFP reports British Foreign Secretary Jack Straw will address everyone at the Darfur peace talks tomorrow, February 14 during a visit, an African Union spokesman said today:

"Mr. Straw will visit the venue of the talks in Abuja and will brief the parties, international partners and donors and observers during a plenary session," Nouredeen Mezni told AFP.

He said Britain's top diplomat will be received by the AU special envoy to Darfur, Tanzanian-born Dr. Salim Ahmed Salim, at 10:00 am (0900 GMT).

"You know as a partner in the talks, it is appropriate that Mr. Straw share his experiences and makes his valuable contributions to get the talks going," he said.

[via Coalition for Darfur with thanks]



Photo: Jack Straw holds talks with Sudanese officials over Darfur during a two-day visit to Sudan (Islam Online August 24, 2004)

See BBC photos of Mr Straw's Darfur visit August 2004.

Update

Feb 13, 2006 Straw to underscore democracy in Nigeria.

Feb 13, 2006 Harold Doan.com Press Release Foreign and Commonwealth Office: Jack Straw, is expected to criticise the lack of progress in the Darfur peace talks taking place in Abuja, during his visit to Nigeria on 14 and 15 February. He will also deliver a keynote speech outlining the UK's agenda for Africa in 2006 and beyond.

In his address to the Darfur peace talks, Mr Straw will say that the commitments made by the participants to the talks have not been met and that both the Government of Sudan and the rebel movements have repeatedly violated the ceasefire.