"Our efforts to deepen and enhance fairness in international trade is predicated on there being peace and security in our communities," Obasanjo told a delegation of US senate foreign relations sub-committe, led by Senator Charles Hagel here.

"Without them (peace and security), trade and development cannot grow," the Nigerian president said, just as an African Union-sponsored talks on the conflict in the western Sudanese region of Darfur got under way in the Nigerian capital.

Obasanjo held useful discussions on a wide range of issues including the Sudan peace talks, the war against terrorism, the Gulf of Guinea commission, Liberia and his government economic reform agenda, with the US delegation.

He said a quick resolution of the Sudan crisis will bring about lasting peace to the war-torn country and make its neighbours happy.

Hagel commended Nigeria's peace efforts in Africa, singling out the country's role in bringing peace to Liberia.

He said as current AU chairman, Obasanjo's leadership would be critical to whatever happens on the continent in the near future.

WAR.WIRE