Thursday, October 25, 2007

Daily Update: Oil Workers Kidnapped

Brede Eschilman

On the ground Rebel forces kidnapped foreigners, one Canadian and one Iraqi, who worked on Sudan’s Defra Oil Field for a Chinese-led consortium, according to BBC.  Those who kidnapped the workers are asking China to stop supporting the Sudanese government.  Rebel groups have not all agreed to attend the peace talks in Libya scheduled for this weekend.

Diplomatically AP has reported that Jimmy Carter, former U.S. president, discussed Darfur in the context of global health with Ban Ki-Moon.  They discussed the need for UN support of a global health care system and Carter’s recent trip to Darfur with other public figures, including Desmond Tutu.  The group, known as “The Elders”, is attempting to find ways to promote world peace.

Condoleeza Rica has expressed concern over the viability of the peace process in Sudan, according to Reuters Africa.  She particularly emphasized the need for the upholding of the CPA, or Comprehensive Peace Agreement, which in 2005 ended the civil war between northern and southern Sudan.

The U.S. is considering imposing further sanctions on Sudan if Khartoum continues to slow the peace process, according to Reuters Africa.  Khartoum has hindered the peace process by refusing to accept the 26,000 UNAMID force due to the proposed composition of the forces, with 75% African overall and 90% ground troops African.