EU Presidency Statement on Abuja Talks

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.

The Acceding Countries Bulgaria and Romania, the Candidate Countries 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, EFTA countries Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, members of the European Economic Area, as well as Ukraine and the Republic of Moldova align themselves with this declaration.


* Croatia continues to be part of the Stabilisation and Association Process.

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• EU Presidency Statement on Darfur  (21/12/2005)
• EU Presidency Statement on Darfur (12/10/2005)
• EU Commission allocates €15 million to Darfur victims  (9/9/2005)
• GAERC Conclusions on EU civilian-military supporting action to AU mission in Darfur  (18/7/2005)
• EUHR Solana welcomes inauguration of Transitional Government of Sudan and signing of Declaration of Principles on Darfur conflict (9/7/2005)
• Commission allocates €12 million to Darfur victims who have fled to Chad  (3/6/2005)