Ibrahim Abdurazig, leader of North Darfur's National Youth Association, also called for the rebel holdouts to sign the agreement and for an "African solution." The African Union force "respects the customs and moral values" of the Darfur people, "and they don't want any foreigners to meddle," he said.
The 15 council ambassadors were greeted at the airport by over 100 government officials and tribal leaders dressed in traditional white robes and turbans and colorfully dressed women shouting "Alaha Akbar," or "God is Great."
improvement sought
Osman Yusouf Kibir, the governor of North Darfur, told reporters that the Darfur leaders had agreed with the council on many issues and welcomed its support.
Asked about Jalaladin's threat of "jihad," or holy war, he said the UN force proposal was being discussed and "we fully respect what transpires out of the interaction between the government and the international community."
Britain's UN Ambassador Emyr Jones Parry, who is leading the delegation, said the council is trying to make sure the peace agreement is implemented and that conditions in Darfur improve.
"What is vital is that there should be a rapid improvement in the security situation here, especially for the women, and that the humanitarian access must be better assured," he said.
RSS