Brussels, 09/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - One month to the day from the date foreseen for South Sudan's declaration of independence, the European Parliament - in its concern at the escalation of violence that has caused hundreds to lose their lives and thousands to leave the disputed zone of Abyei - is calling for the armed forces to pull out of this border zone between North and South Sudan. The MEPs' entreaty, made on Thursday 9 June in Strasbourg, was set out in a resolution adopted in plenary session on the situation in Sudan and South Sudan, further to the January referendum on self-rule when the South massively voted in favour of independence.
The Parliament points out that post-referendum issues still outstanding must be resolved through constructive dialogue between North and South Sudan. Such issues include the sharing of oil revenue, the use of pipelines, border demarcation, citizenship and the sharing out of assets and liabilities.
It is urgent to tackle the humanitarian crisis, MEPs say, welcoming the fact that the EU has made €200 million available for the vulnerable population of South Sudan. The resolution underlines that management of the repatriation of displaced persons, in complete safety, is a top priority and should comprise the allocation of land to people as well as access to basic services.
The Parliament invites international creditors to provide relief with regard to the debt incumbent upon Sudan and South Sudan. It considers that legislation on foreign investment is necessary to ensure that natural resources benefit the national economy, and in order to combat poverty in South Sudan.
MEPs consider the situation in Darfur remains extremely worrying, as shown by the recent bombing of the United Nations mission in Darfur by government forces, and the taking of several humanitarian workers as hostages. The Parliament welcomes consultation on the peace process conducted under the aegis of the United Nations and calls on all parties to respect the ceasefire and the agreements signed on the cessation of hostilities. (A.N./transl.jl)