KHARTOUM, Apr 24, 2007 (Xinhua via COMTEX) -- The African Union (AU) on Tuesday welcomed the inauguration of the Transitional Darfur Regional Authority (TDRA), terming it as "a central part of the power" of implementing the Darfur Peace Agreement (DPA).
Monique Mukaruliza, the acting head of the AU Mission in Sudan (AMIS) made the remarks in a statement released here Tuesday. It said that "TDRA is a central part of the power sharing arrangements of the DPA and its launching marks a major milestone in its implementation."
Its inauguration is especially welcomed, as it is the time we have just approached the first anniversary of the signing of the agreement, it added.
In the statement, AMIS stressed that the TDRA was central to the peace process, noting that it is in this right that AMIS and the AU commend all those who have participated and contributed to turning the peace into a reality.
AMIS pledged to continue to provide support and cooperation along with its international partners to help make the TDRA a success on the ground and help it become a truly inclusive institution that represents the desires and aspirations of the people of Darfur.
The TDRA was inaugurated in Khartoum Monday, marking a significant step of implementing the DPA signed between the government and a rebel faction on May 5 last year.
The establishment of the TDRA, composed of senior officials of the Sudanese government and a former rebel faction as well as governors of the three states in Darfur, was decreed by Sudanese President Omer al-Bashir last August in accordance with the AU- sponsored DPA.