Brussels, 06/09/2011 (Agence Europe) - Speaking on behalf of the European Union, Catherine Ashton, High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, has voiced alarm at the escalation of violence in the regions of Sudan bordering on South Sudan, which has been independent since 9 July this year. She calls for an immediate cessation of the fighting that began recently in Blue Nile state and for talks to resume in order to find a political solution to the conflict. She also urges both parties to allow immediate unhindered humanitarian access to affected populations in Southern Kordofan, where fighting is continuing, and Blue Nile state.
A press release published by the spokesperson of Catherine Ashton underlines that the “High Representative is deeply concerned about the eruption of fighting in Blue Nile state on 1 September between the Sudan Armed Forces, supported by the Popular Defence Forces, and the forces of the Sudan People's Liberation Movement/Army (SPLM/A)-North. These clashes represent a dangerous escalation of the conflict in Southern Kordofan state, which has been going on since 5 June, amidst reports of serious human rights violations and continuing lack of humanitarian access”. Disappointed that the meeting between Sudan's President Bachir and SPLM/A President Malik Agar in Khartoum on 21 August has remained without follow-up, Ashton calls on both parties to assume the responsibility that is incumbent upon them to protect civilians, and on the Sudan Armed Forces to cease aerial bombing. The high representative is also deeply concerned about the decision of the government of Sudan to ban the SPLM-North, and urges Khartoum to revert to a peaceful political process to resolve all outstanding issues. (A.N./transl.jl)