Brussels, 20/08/2003 (Agence Europe) - On 8 August, the Italian Presidency issued the following declaration on behalf of the European Union. The EFTA countries and the acceding countries associate themselves with this declaration.
"The European Union welcomes the resumption on August 10th of the IGAD-sponsored talks on Sudan. The EU considers that time is ripe to strike the final compromises on the outstanding key issues and reach a comprehensive agreement to put an end to the conflict and to the sufferings of civilian population in Sudan. The EU calls on the Parties to work actively with the IGAD mediators led by the Kenyan Special Envoy with a view to achieve a comprehensive solution, based upon a strict observance of the rule of law and full respect for human rights and fundamental freedoms to fulfil the aspirations for peace and prosperity of all the Sudanese people within a unified Sudan. The EU commends the pivotal role of the IGAD member states and particularly of Kenya for its facilitating role and reiterates its full and continued support for the IGAD peace process.
The European Union assures the Parties of its readiness to assist them in the implementation of the Peace Agreement and to accompany Sudan on a path of peace building, democracy and development. The EU welcomes the extension of the cessation of hostilities and of the Addendum on the Verification and Monitoring Team for a further three months and stands ready to support the monitoring mechanism. The EU urges the Parties to fully abide by their commitments to signed agreements".