The recent appointment of Mr. Timi Alaibe as the Special Adviser to the President
on Niger Delta Affairs by the Nigerian government is a humble and welcome
development that is in line with the two pronged approach of our current campaign
codenamed Hurricane Moses.

With this channel of communication finally opened, MEND will put together it's Aaron
team of frank negotiators to pass our demands and expectations to the President
through Mr. Alaibe, a man we respect and can work with.

MEND does not believe the current amnesty offer is directed at freedom fighters

The Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) is grateful to God that
the trumped-up charges against Henry Okah has finally been dropped.

Now he will be able to deal with his health, spend time with his family and revive
his business.

We hope that the hundreds of other men and women languishing in detention over the
Niger Delta issue will also be set free.

For those killed extra judicially by the army and police, we pray for their souls.

MEND considers this release as a step towards genuine peace

Effective, 0000 Hrs, Wednesday, July 15, 2009, the Movement for the Emancipation of
the Niger Delta (MEND) will be observing a temporary ceasefire for a 60 day period.

Several factors necessitated our decision; chiefly the release of Mr. Henry Okah
from government custody.

During this period, the Aaron team of wise men and women will be put together after
consultations with relevant stakeholders. They will speak on our behalf and
convey our demands to government.

A compulsory prelude to talks is the withdrawal of the military Joint Task Forces