Arabic Media

January 30 , 2008

Source: Al Jazeera (Leading Arabic News Channel, headquartered in Qatar)
Headline: Pat Nash Warns Chadian and Central African Rebels against Attacking His Troops

• Pat Nash, EUFOR leader, warned Chadian and Central African rebels that his troops would not hesitate to fire back if attacked
• He insisted that EUFOR force would adhere to its mission of providing protection to Darfur refugees
• Nash characterized rebels’ problems in Chad and Central African Republic, as internal affairs that do not concern his peacekeeping force
• He also indicated that his force would not cross into Sudan and limit its operation to east Chad and north Central African Republic

Source: Al Jazeera (Leading Arabic News Channel, headquartered in Qatar)
Headline: Obstacles Prevent Sudan from Claiming African Union Presidency
By: Emad Abdul Hadi

• Word in the streets of Khartoum has it that Sudan would seek presidency of African Union, but Sudanese foreign ministry denied the rumors
• The ministry was contradicted when a Sudanese official in Addis Ababa indicated Sudan would lobby for the presidency
• Experts believe Sudan would not push hard to get the presidency given Darfur crisis complications but would try to lobby other African countries to support its position in the conflict

Source: Al Hayat (Saudi-owned Pan-Arab daily with wide circulation)
Headline: JEM Wants to Expand Crisis to Kordufan…and Tensions Increase between Chad and Sudan
By: Annour Ahmed Annour

• Sudan and Chad exchanged accusations of supporting each other’s rebels, as Chadian forces bombed rebel positions near the border with Sudan
• Sudanese minister of defense criticized Chad’s military campaigns inside Sudan’s territory
• Meanwhile, governor of Kordufan said captured rebels indicated that Justice and Equality Movement was bent on transferring the conflict to Kordufan with the support of Israel
• And, Ruling partners announced they agreed on the need to unify Darfur rebel groups as a necessary measure to ensure peace talks success