Foreign Minister Ahmed Abul-Gheit said division among the rebel factions might obstruct and delay negotiations with the Sudanese government.

"Egypt's participation in this important meeting undoubtedly reflects various parties' conviction of the role that it could play to push forward the peace process in Darfur", he added.

"Egypt's participation also reflects the keenness of the United Nations and the African Union on making use of distinguished relations between Cairo and Khartoum to boost peace and stability in Sudan in general and in Darfur in particular", he expounded.

"Egypt fully supports efforts exerted by UN special envoy Jan Eliasson and AU envoy Salim Ahmed Salim in their difficult mission", he expatiated.

"The Darfurians are looking forward to achieving peace and stability in the region after long time of suffering", he Abul-Gheit said.

The Arusha meeting, organized by the AU and UN, aims to unify stances by the Darfur rebel movements in order to establish a framework for peace talks between the Darfur rebel groups and the government of Sudan.