Asmara — President Isaias Afwerki today received and held talks with Ambassador Jan Eliasson, Special Envoy to the UN Secretary General on the Darfur issue.

In the meeting, the two sides held an extensive discussion on the Darfur peace process and the forthcoming meeting on the peace dialogue, which is scheduled to be held in Libya beginning next Saturday.

The President reaffirmed Eritrea's readiness, as part of the regional initiative, to work closely with Libya, Chad, Egypt, the UN and the African Union towards achieving a lasting peaceful solution to the Darfur issue.

Moreover, President Isaias underlined that as the Darfur peace process is time consuming and in order to attain the desired outcome, it requires the close cooperation and coordination of all parties, namely the Sudanese Government of National Unity, Darfur opposition movements and the entire population of Darfur, as well as regional and international forces.

The UNSG envoy on his part pointed out that the UN and international community are aware of Eritrea's positive role towards resolving the Darfur issue. He further noted the significance of Eritrea's enhanced role as the peace process has reached an important phase.