VOA标准英语10月-Nigerian Government Group in Talks with Oil Rebel（在线收听）
The meeting, scheduled for Wednesday in the Niger Delta town of Oporoza, is considered an important step forward in resolving the Niger Delta unrest. A member of the Niger Delta Technical Committee, Tony Uranta, told VOA engaging the rebels is critical for the peace process as the meeting affords the militants a platform to state their demands.
He said, "'MEND and all other militants groups have said they are identifying with the technical committee's work. And they believe the federal government needs to hear their own position. The technical committee needs to hear directly from their main commanders. So they will assemble there [Oporoza] for us to listen to their oral submissions, after which they will put in written submissions."
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| A fighter of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) at the militia's creek camp in the Niger Delta, 17 Sep 2008 |
MEND launched a violent campaign against the oil industry more than two years ago, saying it was fighting for a fairer control of the region's natural resources.
The federal government has said it is pursuing a "master plan for infrastructure development" in the Niger Delta, but militant groups say there has be no progress.
The group has also made the release of its suspected leader, Henry Okah, who is currently on trial for treason and gun-running, a precondition for suspending its campaign of violence.
Uranta said the release of the detained militant and the granting of amnesty to oil rebels could be the basis for resolving the armed conflict. "A rational solution should be found to releasing Henry Okah and granting MEND general amnesty so that we can begin solving the issues."
The Niger delta conflict has simmered for over a decade. Government crackdowns or offers of peace talks have had little effect on the rebellion. Grievances are rooted in the region's deep poverty and environmental degradation.
Since the beginning of 2006, attacks by militants in the restive Delta region have cut oil production by 25 percent in Nigeria, Africa's biggest crude producer and the 8th largest world producer.