US peace envoy kicks off his first mission in Sudan

KHARTOUM
Nov 13 (AFP)

The US peace envoy for Sudan, John Danforth, started Tuesday in Khartoum his first mission in this country since he was appointed in September by US President George W. Bush.

Danforth is to meet with President Omar al-Beshir, and has already held talks with Sudanesepresidential peace advisor, Ghazi Salaheddin Atabani, and with Vice President Mossess Mashar, an AFP correspondent reported.

No declarations were made after the meetings.

The US embassy in Sudan says Danforth, who is also due to meet with various members of the Sudanese government and opposition, will give a press briefing Wednesday afternoon.

He will tour camps of displaced persons around Khartoum and will travel to the Nuba Mountains and El-Obeid in central Sudan and Rumbeik in southern Sudan before his departure.

Danforth was appointed on September 6 and tasked with finding a solution to the civil war which has torn Africa's largest country since 1983.