Brussels, 12/02/2007 (Agence Europe) - Meeting in Brussels on 12 February, the foreign affairs ministers of the EU once again examined the situation in Sudan, and reiterated their gravest concerns at the growing deterioration of the security conditions in Darfur and its impact on the humanitarian and human rights situation in this region, where massacres are continuing.
“The EU (…) strongly condemns the killing of an AMIS (mission of the African Union in Sudan) police officer in Kutum on 1 February, as well as the arrest and abuse of international humanitarian aid workers by Sudanese police forces in Nyala on 19 January”, state the Council's conclusions. The fact that one humanitarian NGO has completely withdrawn from Darfur for safety reasons, and that the United Nations and the NGOs stated on 17 January that it may become impossible for them to continue their actions if the current situation persists, is of particular concern to the Council.
Hence its renewed appeal to all parties concerned to abstain from the use of violence against civilians and organisations providing humanitarian aid, and for them to respect the ceasefire they committed to. The Council condemns the “incessant cease-fire violations by all parties”, and particularly the “bombing of areas in Northern Darfur by the Sudanese Air Force, which disrupted the preparations for a meeting of Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM), despite the fact that the Sudanese government had earlier declared its assent to the meeting”.
The Council pointed out, as it did in its conclusions of 22 January, that under the terms of resolution 1591 (2005) of the United Nations Security Council, anybody impeding the peace process would be held responsible, and the necessary measures will be taken as a result.
The EU welcomes the definitive creation, by the UN Human Rights Council, of the High-Level Assessment Mission to Darfur, which started its work on 9 February. It urges the government of Sudan not to prevent the mission from fulfilling its crucial task, and to issue the necessary visas as soon as possible.
The EU also welcomed the agreement between the African Union and the United Nations on the details of the heavy support package for AMIS. It urges them to work together for the swift implementation of this module and to conclude, without delay, the plans for the creation of the joint AU/UN force, which has already been decided upon. The EU urges the Sudanese government to cooperate fully with the preparations and deployment of this force. It reaffirms its determination to maintain its support for AMIS in the meantime, and encourages other donors to make additional contributions.
The Council reiterates its concern at the destabilising effect of the Darfur conflict on the whole of the region, particularly Chad and the Central African Republic. It also voices its “deep concern about the deteriorating security situation in Southern Sudan” and strongly condemns the attack on a UNMIS escort, which left one soldier dead. All parties to the Comprehensive Peace Agreement are called upon to “renew their efforts to fully implement this agreement”. (an)