JEM Reacts To Gaddafi's Statement On Khalil

21 July 2010 - (London) – The Libyan president, Muammar Gaddafi, has said that the leader of the Darfur anti-government group, JEM, Dr. Khalil Ibrahim, who is being hosted by Libya will not be allowed to jeopardize peace talks in Sudan.

In May, the Libyan authorities hosted the JEM leader after Chadian government denied him entry while he was intending to go to his stronghold in Darfur through N’Djamena.
In an interview with the France 24 television station, Gaddafi said Khalil has been forbidden by Libya from issuing orders or make any comments from Libya.

Speaking to Sudan Radio Service from London on Tuesday, JEM’s spokesperson, Ahmed Hussein Adam, reacted by saying there are no peace talks to be jeopardized.

[Ahmed Hussein Adam]: “In fact there is no ongoing peace process to be disrupted. I don’t want to comment on this issue, but what I want to say is that Doctor Khalil’s presence in Libya is as a guest and whenever the circumstances allow he wouldn’t want to reside in any country apart from Darfur. I don’t want to comment on this issue more than that, but what I can say is that we are satisfied with the situation which Doctor Khalil is in.”

Sudan has called on Libya to expel Dr. Khalil Ibrahim, and said last month it was closing its borders with Libya, citing a need to protect people from attacks by Darfur insurgents.