Brussels, 01/12/2005 (Agence Europe) - In a statement issued by the British Presidency on 30 November, it explains: 'The European Union (EU) welcomes the resumption on 29 November in Abuja, Nigeria, of the Inter-Sudanese Peace Talks on Darfur. The EU calls on all parties to negotiate flexibly, constructively and with a clear sense of urgency, in order to meet the United Nations Security Council's deadline of 31 December for a peace settlement. The EU expresses its continued strong support for the Abuja peace process and for the African Union-led mediation team. The EU welcomes the presence, for the first time, of the SPLM representatives in the next round of talks. The EU also expresses its grave concern about the continued chronic disregard shown by both the SLM/A and the Sudanese government for the agreements they have signed. The EU condemns the continued violence, and in particular the killing of members of the African Union force on 8 October. The EU urges all sides to rein in their fighters; to respect international law; and abide by the N'Djamena Ceasefire Agreement and Abuja Protocols. The EU notes that the United Nations Security Council has agreed targeted sanctions to be applied to those responsible for atrocities, and would support full use of these measures. The EU welcomes the formation, on 30 October, of the Assessment and Evaluation Commission (AEC) to monitor implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA). It notes with concern that implementation of the Agreement is behind schedule, and calls on all the political forces in Sudan to facilitate a speedy transition to peace throughout the country, within the framework of the CPA. The European Union reiterates its commitment to a swift and sustainable resolution to the conflict in Darfur, and to a peaceful, prosperous and democratic Sudan.