September 1, 2005

Peace talks between the government and rebel organizations in Darfur --scheduled to resume September 16-- may be delayed. The government, of course, accused the rebels of reneging on "security agreements." The government and the rebels  both appear to be reconsidering the "declaration of principles" agreed to on July 5.

The diplomats are encouraging the Sudan government and Darfur rebels to use the peace settlement in south Sudan as a model for resolving the conflict.

The UN and the African Union (AU) still want more peacekeepers for Darfur. South Africa is reportedly considering increasing its force in Darfur. At the moment South Africa has a "reinforced company group" committed to western Sudan.