KHARTOUM, May 25, 2004 (SUNA) -- The fact-finding committee on allegations of human rights violations committed by armed groups in Darfur states has begun its mission and gathering claims and information from different sources, announced the committee's chairman, Dafalla Al- Haj Yousif.

In a press conference he held here Tuesday, the chairman of the committee said the committee is currently engaged in classifying claims and information. He said that the fact - finding committee is depending in its gathering to information on written sources, such as newspapers and news agencies as well as statements of the conflict parties.

He said that the committee has a plan to hear statements of all parties inside Sudan and abroad, any one who has relation with the conflict in Darfur, members of the National Assembly, political leaders, public figures, former walis (governors) of states and heads of committees on Darfur issue, officials of humanitarian aid organizations, commanders of military areas and representatives of armed movements.

Yousif said that the fact - finding committee called on federal ministries and the civil society's organizations to provide the committee with their reports on the issue of Darfur, adding that the fact - finding committee is adopting a judicial method in its work and keen to identify the views of different parties, the real causes behind the alleged violations as well as the size of losses in lives and property due to the conflict.

He said that the committee's work includes field visits, explaining that the committee has begun contacts with leaders of the armed factions in Darfur and other parties of the conflict who are outside Sudan so as to identify their claims and evidence on them.

Chairman of the fact - finding committee indicated that the committee is entitled to see any document and to summon any person for investigation with him or giving his testimony.

He said that the committee is ready for cooperation with the international community, but it will not accept any form of influence. Members of the fact - finding committee affirmed their keenness to maintain the neutrality and independence of the committee.