Brussels, 14/06/2011 (Agence Europe) - EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton has said she is “deeply concerned” by the escalation of violence in Southern Kordofan (Nuba Mountains region). She calls on “all parties to cease hostilities immediately”, take all necessary measures to protect civilians and “resume negotiations under the auspices of President Mbeki” and to allow unhindered humanitarian access by all parties to those in need of assistance.
Her message on behalf of the EU is contained in a statement published on Sunday 12 June. Ashton deplores “the escalation of fighting, loss of life and displacement of civilians in the state capital Kadugli and many other areas of Southern Kordofan” and strongly condemns reports of aerial bombardment and indiscriminate attacks on civilians. The high representative urges the government of Sudan to halt its pursuit of a military solution to disarm the Sudan People's Liberation Army in Southern Kordofan and to dissolve the Joint Integrated Units established under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and to agree on security arrangements through direct, high-level negotiations, not by the use of force. (A.N./transl.rt)