A Statement By the Mediation

Doha, May 14 (QNA) -HE Ahmed Bin Abdullah Al-Mahmoud, the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of State for the Council of Ministers Affairs, and HE Dr. Mohamed Ibn Chambas, the AU-UN Joint Special Representative/Joint Chief Mediator for Darfur, issued the following statement :- The Mediation condemns in the strongest terms the ambush and attack on the leadership of the Justice and Equality Movement-Sudan (JEM-Sudan) on 12 May 2013, and which has resulted in the killing of Mohamed Bashar and Mr. Arko Suleiman Dahiya, the President and Vice President of the JEM-Sudan respectively, and the abduction of several members of the JEM-Sudan leadership. While extending condolences to the families of those killed in the attacks, the Mediation calls for the immediate release of all the abducted members of JEM-Sudan Leadership. The Mediation considers the attack and abduction as heinous crimes punishable by applicable laws. These egregious violations are also deplorable as they were clearly intended to derail the significant progress achieved by the Parties and International Partners with the recent adoption of the Doha Document for Peace in Darfur (DDPD) on 6 April 2013 between the Government of Sudan and the Justice and Equality Movement Sudan. The Mediation calls on all combatants in the conflict, especially the non-signatory parties, to cease further hostilities and commit to a peaceful resolution of the conflict in accordance with genuine aspirations and legitimate interest of the people of Darfur. These leaders were tireless advocates for peace and guided their movement in confidence in that path. Their places in the history of Darfur Peace Process is assured, said the statement. The Mediation urges the international Community to take action to deter such crimes and bring perpetrators to justice, the statement concluded. (QNA)