Blog : Alain Azria

Wednesday 27 February 2008 07:21.

 

February 25, 2008 (PARIS) ? A Darfur rebel group announced today that they have inaugurated an office in Israel, according to a press release received today by Sudan Tribune. Abdel-Wahid Al-Nur ?We are telling our people that we opened Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM) office in Israel' the statement read. The SLM faction led by Abdel-Wahid Al-Nur praised the Israeli government ?for protecting Darfur youth from genocide' Al-Nur, speaking to Sudan Tribune by phone from Paris, confirmed the inauguration of the office. ?The office was created by some of the SLM members who sought refuge in Israel from the killings by the Sudanese government. This is our normal practice in any part of the world where we have a presence' the rebel leader said. ?We believe in transparency with our people. We have nothing to hide or be ashamed of' he added. AL-Nur said the SLM ?has a vision for a liberal, secular state in Sudan. As such we encourage tolerance towards all religions and ethnicities as well as peaceful coexistence'. Sudanese refugees, particularly from Darfur where a rebellion has cost more than 200,000 civilian lives and made 2.5 million homeless, have been sneaking into Israel in increasing numbers over the past year through the Egyptian borders. This year, Israel granted temporary residency status to 600 refugees from Darfur. Many Israelis feel an obligation to help refugees because of the centuries of persecution Jews endured before they created their own state. ?The revolution that started in Darfur intends to change some of the norms in Sudan including the taboo regarding the relations with Israel' Al-Nur said. ?Our vision of Sudan as we see it would allow for the opening of an Israeli embassy in Khartoum as long as it is in line with the interests of the Sudanese people' he added. Israel considers Sudan, a Muslim-dominated country, an ?enemy state' and maintains a policy of not allowing citizens of a state with this classification of residing in the country. Sudan has no diplomatic relations established with Israel and remains hostile to the Jewish state on the grounds that it is occupying Arab lands. Asked whether he fears the backlash of Arab and Islamic sentiment in Sudan and elsewhere Al-Nur said that he does not ?customize the fundamental policies of the SLM to appeal to certain groups of people'. ?Our opinion on the Palestinian Israeli conflict is clear. We want both sides to reach an accord that would allow them to live peacefully together'. International experts estimate 200,000 people have died in the conflict, which Washington calls genocide, a term European governments are reluctant to use. The Sudan government says 9,000 people have been killed. (ST) Related regions : Darfur : Dark anniversary for Darfur UN opens new camp for displaced in West Darfur South Darfur's security, humanitarian situations stable -governor  Comment on this article...

 

2 Comments ·         Darfur rebel group inaugurate local office in Israel 27 February 2008 10:30, by John Olanya Augustino Okello I am very happy with the first step taken by Abdel Wahid to start the SLA office in Israel and also soon will establish the Israel embassy in the Capital City of Khartoum weather Bashir like or not this will happen ??insah Allah'.This time there is no joking with the NCP Reply to this comment ·         Darfur rebel group inaugurate local office in Israel 27 February 2008 11:36, by Akol Liai Mager Despies of his strong link to NIF/NCP, Dr Khalil Ibrahim should follows his brother Abdul Wahad Mohamed El Nur and open JEM's Office in Tel Aviv. There is nothing wrong or to be shamed with as said by El nur. NIF/NCP is not more Islamised than the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia that invited over hundred of thousands of US troops in 90s with possibility of great number of Jews soldiers to protect the Kingdom from the enemy we all know even that enemy is well gone, those troops are still there. Israel openned her heart and land to Darfurians and they, the Furs should appreciate the generosity shown to them by this Nation. see with your people interests Mr Khalil and good luck. Reply to this comment