Summary: April 11, 2005: European Commission makes clear that resumption of cooperation with Sudan is linked to the evolution of the situation of Darfur (Brussels)
The European Commission has announced today in Oslo that it is ready to contribute at least €590 M to address the needs of Sudan, whether humanitarian or developmental for the period 2005-2007. Nevertheless, the Commission has made clear that the resumption of cooperation will be progressive, taking into account the effective implementation of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement and the evolution of the situation in Darfur.
The International Donors Conference which takes place today and tomorrow in Oslo, brought together international and Sudanese stakeholders for the country reconstruction and development. The Commission delegation was led by the Director General for Development, Mr. Stefano Manservisi representing the Commissioner for Development Louis Michel. The core mechanism of the Conference was the Joint Assessment Mission (JAM), led by Norway, the World Bank and the UNDP and the JAM Final
Report "Framework for Sustained Peace, Development and Poverty Eradication in Sudan".
On 25 January 2005 the European Commission and the Government of the Sudan signed a Country Strategy Paper CSP), under which no less than €326 M of assistance from the European Development can be mobilised for the Sudan for the period 2005 to 2007. Taken together with other source available for EC assistance, the Commission has in total about €400 M available under the CSP for assisting the Sudan during this period.
The Country Strategy Paper focuses essentially on two sectors: food security and education, which embrace a significant number of identifiable needs in the JAM report. The Commission is ready to take into consideration of the programme that it will support the needs expressed in the JAM in those areas both in the North and the South of the Sudan.
The Commission acknowledges the dimension of the humanitarian crises and security concerns. The Commission will therefore continue, as in recent years, to be a main provider of humanitarian aid.
In this respect, the Commission will contribute to humanitarian aid and to transition linking relief and rehabilitation and development initiatives, including within the scope of the UN work plan for 2005. In addition, support to a specific plan for the reconstruction of the Darfur could be envisaged, if the parties sign a sustainable peace agreement.
In addition, the security dimension being of crucial importance, the Commission will also continue to support the African Union mission in Darfur, which has provided a first element of stabilisation in this afflicted region.
As a result, during 2005, the Commission also intends to contribute with €160 M for the different humanitarian crises in the Sudan (including €100 M in untied food aid). Furthermore, the disbursements foreseen for AMIS 2 in the Darfur should attain €60 M through the Africa Peace Facility.
All in all the European Commission will therefore allocate an amount of €590 M (approx. USD765 M) for the period 2005-2007. This amount does not include a possible humanitarian response on 2006 and 2007 nor a possible increase of support for peace and security should the necessary conditions be fulfilled.
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