UNAMID peacekeeping chief meets with Minni Minawi

Photo: Supporters ride on horses and camels as they welcome Sudan's President Omar Hassan al-Bashir (not in the picture) before a rally at Zalinge town, west Darfur, April 7, 2009. Sudan's embattled president told a rally on Tuesday that his own officials would track down war criminals in Darfur, dismissing Western attempts to bring justice to the region. Picture taken April 7, 2009. (Reuters/Mohamed Nureldin Abdallh)

From UNAMID - Wednesday, 08 April 2009:
UNAMID Joint Special Representative meets with Mr. Minni Minawi

UNAMID Joint Special Representative, Mr. Rodolphe Adada, today met with the Special Assistant to the President and the Chairman of the Transitional Darfur Regional Authority (TDRA), Mr. Minni Minawi.

They discussed a series of issues, including the enhancement of security and the humanitarian situation in Darfur. Mr. Minawi requested more frequent contacts between UNAMID and the TDRA. Mr. Adada and Mr. Minawi also discussed development issues and how UNAMID can support the people of Darfur through more Quick Impact Projects (QIPs).

Mr. Adada stressed the importance of keeping close contact with the TDRA and reiterated UNAMID’s support for the effective implementation of the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA) and other subsequent Agreements, in line with its mandate. In this context, it was agreed that a liaison mechanism between TDRA and UNAMID should be further strengthened.

The meeting was also attended by the Deputy Joint Special Representative (DJSR) for Operations and Management, Mr. Hocine Medili.

Photo: Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir, center, addresses supporters during his visit to the western Darfur town of Zalengi, Sudan, Tuesday, April 7, 2009. Sudan's embattled president on a visit to Darfur Tuesday called on the people of the region to bring armed groups battling the government around to peace talks. (AP Photo/Abd Raouf)