This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It will not be checked again for changes.

You can find the current article at its original source at http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/world/africa/7065960.stm

The article has changed 4 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.

Version 0 Version 1
Pessimism grows over Darfur talks Pessimism grows over Darfur talks
(20 minutes later)
Talks in Libya aimed at trying to end the four-year war in Sudan's Darfur region are entering a second day.Talks in Libya aimed at trying to end the four-year war in Sudan's Darfur region are entering a second day.
The talks began on Saturday with the Sudanese government announcing a unilateral ceasefire.The talks began on Saturday with the Sudanese government announcing a unilateral ceasefire.
But with key rebel leaders boycotting the talks, pessimism is growing that they will have any lasting impact, says the BBC's Jonah Fisher at the talks.But with key rebel leaders boycotting the talks, pessimism is growing that they will have any lasting impact, says the BBC's Jonah Fisher at the talks.
Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi said there were limits to what international intervention could achieve in Darfur.Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi said there were limits to what international intervention could achieve in Darfur.
'Tribal problem''Tribal problem'
At the gathering in the Libyan city of Sirte, Sudanese presidential adviser Nafie Ali Nafie said: "We announce a ceasefire from this moment, and we will respect it unilaterally."At the gathering in the Libyan city of Sirte, Sudanese presidential adviser Nafie Ali Nafie said: "We announce a ceasefire from this moment, and we will respect it unilaterally."
However, several ceasefires have previously been agreed and none has ended the violence.However, several ceasefires have previously been agreed and none has ended the violence.
Some 200,000 people have died and two million have been displaced in the conflict.Some 200,000 people have died and two million have been displaced in the conflict.
To internationalise a tribal problem is an exercise in futility Muammar Gaddafi Darfur deal a distant dream Sudan survivor link-up The Darfur rebel groupsTo internationalise a tribal problem is an exercise in futility Muammar Gaddafi Darfur deal a distant dream Sudan survivor link-up The Darfur rebel groups
Both the SLA-Unity and the Justice and Equality Movement (Jem) groups decided not to attend after the UN and the AU - who are mediating the talks - invited other rebel groups they claim have little support, said Mohammed Bahr Hamdeen, a senior Jem leader.Both the SLA-Unity and the Justice and Equality Movement (Jem) groups decided not to attend after the UN and the AU - who are mediating the talks - invited other rebel groups they claim have little support, said Mohammed Bahr Hamdeen, a senior Jem leader.
The talks are being hosted by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.The talks are being hosted by Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi.
He said without the two groups' leaders present in Sirte, "we cannot achieve peace".He said without the two groups' leaders present in Sirte, "we cannot achieve peace".
"As long as they object to this conference, then there is no justification for the international community to intervene," he said."As long as they object to this conference, then there is no justification for the international community to intervene," he said.
Mr Gaddafi also cast doubt on what the international community could achieve in Darfur.Mr Gaddafi also cast doubt on what the international community could achieve in Darfur.
"To internationalise a tribal problem is an exercise in futility," he said in his opening remarks to the gathering."To internationalise a tribal problem is an exercise in futility," he said in his opening remarks to the gathering.
Rebels dividedRebels divided
But the African Union envoy for Darfur said the talks were a new opportunity for the region.But the African Union envoy for Darfur said the talks were a new opportunity for the region.
Quick guide: DarfurQuick guide: Darfur
"The journey has been long, arduous and extremely challenging. And the results... have been mixed. But today we are here in this historic city of Sirte for another new beginning," said Salim Ahmed Salim."The journey has been long, arduous and extremely challenging. And the results... have been mixed. But today we are here in this historic city of Sirte for another new beginning," said Salim Ahmed Salim.
Fighting in Darfur began in 2003 when rebels attacked government targets.Fighting in Darfur began in 2003 when rebels attacked government targets.
Sudan's government then launched a military and police campaign in Darfur.Sudan's government then launched a military and police campaign in Darfur.
A 2006 peace deal faltered because it was signed by the Sudanese government and only one rebel group.A 2006 peace deal faltered because it was signed by the Sudanese government and only one rebel group.
The rebel movement then splintered into at least 12 groups and sub-factions.The rebel movement then splintered into at least 12 groups and sub-factions.
UK pledge
Large numbers of Darfuris are strongly opposed to the talks and doubt that the negotiations will lead to any concrete improvements on the ground, says the BBC's Amber Henshaw, in Darfur.Large numbers of Darfuris are strongly opposed to the talks and doubt that the negotiations will lead to any concrete improvements on the ground, says the BBC's Amber Henshaw, in Darfur.
On Saturday, the UK announced an additional £6m of funds to support peace efforts in Darfur.
The funding will be divided between support for the AU-UN peace talks in Libya, which will receive £1m, and the Darfur Community Peace and Stability Fund, launched at the start of talks by the UN and international partners, which will receive £5m.
International Development Secretary Douglas Alexander said the money will be "used for grassroots development activity such as rehabilitating water points, health clinics and schools, to make an immediate improvement to people's lives and help to restore peace and confidence".