EU urges Sudanese parties to sign Darfur peace agreement

May 2, 2006 (BRUSSELS) — EU foreign policy Chief Javier Solana urged Tuesday all Sudanese parties to sign a peace agreement negotiated by the African Union (AU), said a press release.

The EU High Representative for the Common Foreign and Security Policy (CFSP) welcomed the work carried out by the African Union. “The result constitutes a good compromise” he further added.

The peace agreement must be seen as a matter of urgency,” said the press statement.

“It offers serious guarantees to everyone, starting with the civilian populations of Darfur who, more than ever, need to return to security, peace and stability. It will also launch the process of gradually transferring to the United Nations,”

According to Solana’s office, Solana spoke on Tuesday with the leaders of the rebel groups, Abdul Wahid Mohamed El Nour (SLM), Minni Arkoi Minnawi (SLM) and Khalil Ibrahim (JEM), to urge them to do their utmost to conclude the negotiations.

Solana would also be in contact with Sudanese Vice President Ali Osman Mohamed Taha, said the statement.

(ST)