Sudanese official denies genocide in Darfur

Sudanese Minister of Justice Mohamed Ali al-Mardi on Monday denied genocide or ethnic cleansing in Sudan, the official SUNA news agency reported.

The denial came in a meeting between al-Mardi and visiting UN chief Kofi Annan's special adviser on the prevention of genocide, Juan Mendez.

Al-Mardi referred to the ongoing prosecution by the Sudanese government of suspects of crimes against humanity in the western region of Darfur and the government's seriousness to try whoever was involved in such crimes in the war-torn region.

He appreciated regional and international organizations for their efforts to help realize security and stability in Darfur, calling on these organizations to respect his government's efforts to restore peace there.

For his part, Mendez said that his mission is to prevent any aggression and genocide against civilians in the world.

He stressed the need for the Sudanese government to continue dialogue with different social groups in Darfur to seek a comprehensive solution to the Darfur crisis.

The UN Security Council passed a resolution in July 2004, asking Sudan to rein in Janjawid militias in 30 days or face international action.

The resolution has been dismissed by the Khartoum government.

Source: Xinhua