Brussels, 05/11/2002 (Agence Europe) - On behalf of the EU, the Danish Presidency made the following declaration (unofficial translation):
The United States, the European Union, Norway, Canada, Japan and Switzerland welcome the signing on 15 October by the Government of Sudan and the Sudan People's Liberation Movement of the Memorandum of Understanding on the Cessation of Hostilities which commits both parties to unimpeded humanitarian access to all areas and to all people in need. We expect both parties to fulfil their obligations immediately to facilitate the implementation of humanitarian assistance programmes. We are encouraged by the resumption of the Inter-Government Authority on Development peace talks and applaud the critical role by the Government of Kenya in bringing this about. The humanitarian situation in Sudan remains dire, especially in areas long-denied humanitarian access. The donor community stands ready to support the United Nations and its partners in ensuring the provision of unhindered humanitarian access - including carrying out needs and security assessments - throughout Sudan. We underscore the importance of ensuring the safety and security of all humanitarian workers as humanitarian programmes are expanded throughout Sudan.