Brussels, 20/10/2014 (Agence Europe) - The European Union is “deeply concerned” by the continued conflict in Sudan, particularly in Darfur (the west of the country), Southern Kordofan and the Blue Nile, as well as the numerous humanitarian and human rights violations, explained the Council of the EU on Monday 20 October.
In addition to the enormous suffering and widescale displacement of the population from these areas, which these incidents have provoked, the incessant and continued conflict represents a threat to regional security, warns the Council. The latter prioritised the overarching importance of political dialogue in the conclusions adopted without debate in the backdrop to the EU foreign affairs ministers' meeting.
The EU is convinced that there is no military solution to the internal conflicts in Sudan. It is backing the appeal made by the African Union's Council for Peace and Security, for a holistic approach to be adopted to the multiple challenges in Sudan and the need to address the political, economic and social roots of the persisting conflicts.
The EU is prepared to support the process of national dialogue, which encourages all the different stakeholders inside and outside Sudan to support the joint efforts made to promote such a dialogue, for which the EU believes minimum criteria are needed, if the outcome of this process is to be successful.
The Council explained that the EU therefore believes that this dialogue has to be inclusive and comprehensive if it is to successfully tackle the problems of economic marginalisation, unequal distribution of resources, political exclusion and the lack of access to public services. It also believes that it should be carried out in an environment that nurtures the freedom of the press and association and that the release of political prisoners has to be guaranteed. The Council explains that this dialogue must also be accompanied by measures that help to build trust. These measures also include an immediate and verifiable ceasefire in hostilities, an absolute priority, as well as the guarantee for unhindered humanitarian access to all civilians in the conflict zones.
Faced with the deteriorating humanitarian situation and restrictions imposed on humanitarian organisations, the EU has reiterated its appeal to the Sudanese government and armed groups to guarantee full and safe humanitarian access, without delay, in these different zones of the country. (AN)