Arabic Media

June 26, 2023

Source:Al Ahram

Headline: Sarkozy Calls for a Tough Position Against Sudan

By: Abdul Wahid Libini

Paris hosted an international conference on Darfur. 12 countries, including Egypt, were invited in addition to Arab League, European Union, and United Nations. Sudan however did not attend.

• The stated goal of the conference is to coordinate diplomatic efforts and inject new energy in international interest in the conflict
• Sudanese official, Mutrif Siddig, said Sudan was not opposed to the conference, but it was invited
• He welcomed any development initiative, but added
• Sudan does not want this conference to launch yet another proposal

Source:Al Rai

Headline: Paris Conference to Discuss Darfur in the Absence of Sudan and African Union

Key countries including China and United States in addition to regional and international organizations took part in Paris conference to discuss ways to end Darfur crisis. Sudan and African Union did not participate in protest because they were not consulted before it was announced. The crisis pits rebel groups that seek their just share of power and resources against Arab militia supported by the government in Khartoum.

• President Sarkozy said Sudan must understand that if it cooperated, we will support it; but if it continued its defiance, we must stand firm against it
• Condoleezza Rice urged more pressure on Sudan to ensure it accepts hybrid force deployment
• Chinese representative, Liu Guilin, objected to issuing more threats against government in Sudan and urged pressure on Rebel groups that refused Abuja peace agreement

Source:Addustour

Headline: Despite Absence of African Union and Sudan, Paris Conference Reaches a Concrete Outcome

Paris conference on Darfur called for support and coordination of future international efforts to resolve the crisis. French Foreign Minister Bernard Kushner was optimistic about the conference outcome and the “bright” future for Darfur:

• The conference supported African Union and United Nations’ efforts in convincing Sudan to accept hybrid force
• Efforts to unite rebel groups
• President Sarkozy said Sudan must understand that if it cooperated, we will support it; but if it continued its defiance, we must stand firm against it
• President Sarkozy also urged a firm response against the warring rebel groups that refuse to return to the negotiating table
• Chinese representative, Liu Guilin, objected to issuing more threats against government in Sudan

Source:Annahar

Headline: With Chad, African Union, and Sudan Absent, Paris Conference Supports Peacekeeping Force in Darfur

Paris international conference on Darfur concluded yesterday with a promise of support to peace efforts and comprehensive political operation to stop the violence in this region in Sudan. No concrete measures were announced during this conference to end the violence, though.

• President Sarkozy said that “silence kills” in Darfur and “lack of action is not accepted”
• French foreign minister said that the humanitarian crisis cannot be resolved without political solution
• Condoleezza Rice urged continued pressure – in the form of sanctions – against the government Sudan which is known for its stalling tactics

Source:Al Riyadh

Headline: Support for International Force in Darfur

By: Hassan Al Tlili

During the international conference held in Paris, which was the first of its kind, the participants expressed their support for hybrid peacekeeping force deployment in war-torn Darfur region, and agreed on the need for authorities in Khartoum and rebel groups to resume negotiations to reach an agreement that will resolve the conflict. The participants also promised to increase their humanitarian aid to the victims and refugees living in Chad and the Republic of Central Africa.

• President Sarkozy urged a firm stand against government in Sudan
• Condoleezza Rice wanted more economic sanctions against Sudan
• China cautioned against more sanctions and urged pressure against rebel groups

Source:Al Hayat

Headline: Sudan Criticizes Paris Conference

By: Annour Ahmed Annour

Sudan’s foreign ministry harshly criticized the conference in Paris yesterday and reiterated its opposition to it. The Ministry’s spokesperson, Ali Sadig, said his government informed French Foreign Minister, Bernard Kushner, during his visit to Khartoum of its objection to the conference and opposition to proliferation of peace initiatives. He added that April conference in Libya addressed the need to consolidate all initiatives under efforts by A.U. and U.N. envoys, Salim Ahmed Salim and Jan Eliasson who proposed a “road map” to resolve the crisis.

Source:Al Jazeera Main Morning News Program

Headline: Condoleezza Rice Warns Al Bashir against Reneging on Unconditional Hybrid Force in Darfur

International Conference in Paris was one of several news stories in this program; it came right after the lead story: Sharm Al Sheikh Summit. It was 5 minutes long and gave a comprehensive view of the crisis and the conference:

• Key countries, and regional and international organizations participated in this conference
• Sudan and African Union did not participate in the conference because they were not consulted before it was announced
• Condoleezza Rice warned the government in Sudan against reneging on its unconditional acceptance of hybrid peacekeeping force in Darfur
• President Omar Al Bashir stated during a speech that he is opposed to participation of Western troops in hybrid force

Read the above in Arabic.