Dr Rod Pullen appointed as UK's Special Representative at Darfur peace talks in addition to Dr Alan Goulty

UK Foreign and Commonwealth Press Release March 8, 2006 reveals the Foreign Secretary today announced in a written statement to the Houses of Parliament that Dr Rod Pullen, a senior grade diplomat and experienced Ambassador who has spent much time in Africa, has been appointed as the UK's Special Representative at the Inter-Sudanese Peace Talks on Darfur. He took up his position on 6 March.

This appointment is a further indication of the British Government's commitment on this issue. It is in addition to that of Dr Alan Goulty, HMA Tunis, who will continue as the UK's Special Representative for Darfur. Dr Goulty will continue to focus primarily on pushing the parties to reach a comprehensive and viable agreement and on getting key regional players (especially Eritrea, Libya) and the international community on-side. He will continue to visit Sudan as necessary, in consultation with HMA Khartoum. He will also be expected to pay occasional visits to the Abuja talks, in consultation with Rod Pullen, if there is a particular requirement.

The Darfur Peace Talks are held under African Union mediation. The UK is a key international partner to the talks, and has maintained an observer at the talks in support of the AU since the beginning. In response to the unacceptably slow progress made by the parties to the Peace Talks, the UK has appointed Dr Pullen as its Special Representative.