Brussels, 26/07/2010 (Agence Europe) - A few days before the second international arrest warrant of the International Criminal Court (ICC) is issued against Sudanese President El Bachir, who is wanted this time for genocide at Darfur, the foreign ministers of the 27, meeting in Brussels on Monday 26 July, reiterated their support for the work of the ICC. In its unanimous conclusions, the Council of the EU says that it is increasingly concerned by the worsening security and humanitarian situation in Darfur. It calls upon all parties to put an end to hostilities in the region and reiterates that “war crimes, crimes against humanity and acts of genocide are the most serious crimes affecting the international community and impunity for these crimes cannot be accepted”.
The Council also declares its concern at the increased political repression and worsening situation for civil and political rights throughout the country. Aware of the considerable challenges to be faced by Sudan in the coming months, and with the implementation of the global peace agreement entering its final phase, it stresses that the EU is prepared to support the referendums due to take place in South Sudan and in the region of Abyei and to send, when the time comes, an electoral observation mission. The EU also intends to support the peaceful implementation of the global peace agreement via an agreement on issues relating to the post-referendum period; the efforts made to fight insecurity and conclude a sustainable peace agreement for Darfur; continued humanitarian and development aid for the whole country. (A.N./transl.fl)