EU Presidency Statement - The situation in Sudan

Mr. President,

I have the honour to speak on behalf of the European Union. The Candidate Countries Bulgaria, Romania, Turkey and Croatia , the Countries of the Stabilisation and Association Process and potential candidates Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, the former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Serbia and Montenegro, and the EFTA countries Iceland and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration.

Mr. President,

The EU is grateful for the opportunity to participate in this special meeting of the Security Council in Nairobi. The fact that this meeting takes place in the region, and not in New York, is a clear signal of the commitment of the international community to help the people of Sudan attain lasting peace and stability. At the outset, the EU would like to pay tribute to both IGAD and the African Union for their untiring efforts, both politically as well on the ground, to bring peace to Sudan.

The EU welcomes the comprehensive resolution that the Security Council has just adopted. It joins the Security Council in urging both the Government of Sudan as well as the SPLM/A to expeditiously conclude the discussions on outstanding issues, to speedily conclude a comprehensive peace agreement and to implement it without delay. In this respect, the EU welcomes the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on the conclusion of IGAD negotiations and the parties' commitment to reach a final comprehensive agreement before the end of this year. The EU stands ready to assist Sudan in the reconstruction and development of the country, on the understanding that the parties sign and implement a comprehensive peace agreement and fulfil all their commitments, including those on Darfur. Under the European Development Fund alone, € 400 million have been earmarked for Sudan. The EU will closely co-operate with the UN and other donors.

The EU shares the view that concluding a peace agreement will not only bring an end to the long lasting conflict between North and South that has cost many lives and has inflicted tremendous human suffering, but could also provide a political platform for addressing the underlying causes of the ongoing conflicts in Sudan, including Darfur.

The crisis in Darfur can only be resolved through a negotiated settlement that tackles the root causes of the conflict. In this respect, the EU looks forward to an early signature of the Declaration of Principles. The EU has also welcomed the signing of the protocols on the humanitarian and the security situation in Abuja on 9 November. So far, however, progress made at the negotiation table has not been reflected into tangible progress on the ground. The EU notes with grave concern that the situation in Darfur has further deteriorated in recent weeks, due to cease fire violations and continued attacks on civilians.

The responsibility to protect the civilian population of Darfur rests first of all with the Government of Sudan. The EU is concerned that the Government has not fulfilled many of its obligations under Security Council resolutions 1556 and 1564, in particular disarming the Janjaweed and other militia groups as well as bringing perpetrators of human rights violations to justice. At the same time the rebel groups, by stepping up their attacks, have contributed to an escalation in insecurity and human suffering. The EU will continue to exert pressure on both sides. The EU will take appropriate measures, as contemplated in art. 41 of the UN Charter, against the Government of Sudan and all other parties if no tangible progress is achieved in this respect.

The EU once again urges both parties to strictly abide by the cease fire agreement. It strongly condemns all attacks on civilians, in particular ongoing cases of rape, and reiterates that those responsible will be held accountable for violations of human rights and international humanitarian law in order to end impunity. In this respect, the EU joins the Security Council in calling upon all parties to cooperate with the UN Commission of Inquiry.

The EU stands ready to assist the GoS in meeting the challenges it will face in implementing its obligations. We welcome the Government's agreement to the rapid expansion of the mission of the African Union, which the EU and its Member States have facilitated by a contribution of more than € 100 million, in addition to an earlier contribution of nearly € 18 million to AUMIS I.

It is essential that AMIS II receives all support needed to ensure its rapid full deployment and effective operationalisation. In line with Security Council resolution 1556, where UNAMIS is requested to include contingency planning for Darfur in its work, the EU welcomes the further cooperation and exchange of experiences and expertise between UNAMIS and AMIS II.

The EU and its Member States have also made a considerable contribution to humanitarian assistance, amounting to over € 320 million in 2004. As the number of IDP's is still growing, additional assistance is needed. The EU therefore calls on all UN Member States to respond generously to additional appeals for assistance by the UN and international humanitarian agencies.

Thank you.

| Top |

• EU Presidency Statement - Special political mission - Sudan (19/11/2004)