Sudanese president says Darfur crisis over

EL FASHER, Sudan, Feb. 24 (Xinhua) -- Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir said Wednesday that the crisis in the Sudanese war-torn western region of Darfur has ended.

"The Darfur crisis is now over, the war in Darfur is over. The armed battle has ended and here started the battle for development and rehabilitation," said al-Bashir when addressing a huge gathering at El Fasher, capital of North Darfur State, in his first visit to the region following the signing of ceasefire agreement between Khartoum and the Darfur's rebel Justice and Equality Movement (JEM).

The Sudanese president vowed to provide necessary services for the citizens of the region, saying that "We promise you that the potentials which had been utilized for war in southern and eastern Sudan and Darfur will be redirected to development and rehabilitation to achieve welfare for the Sudanese people."

"Many services could have been provided for Darfur, but the war stopped all development projects in the region. However, now all education, water, health and roads projects in the region will be resumed," he said.

Al-Bashir further urged the JEM leaders to return to contribute to building of Darfur and appreciated all ongoing efforts to achieve peace in the region.

The Sudanese government and the JEM signed the long-awaited truce deal on Tuesday in the Qatari capital Doha.

According to documents setting out the terms of the deal, the Sudanese government would offer government positions for the JEM, who will also be transformed into a political party, the Qatar News Agency reported.

Devastating fightings flared in Darfur that borders Chad in 2003 between ethnic rebels and the Sudanese government forces have left around 300,000 people dead and 2.7 million others displaced, the UN estimates.