Declaration by the EU Presidency on the situation in Darfur
BRUSSELS, Jan 07, 2004 — The European Union continues to actively monitor the evolving situation in the Sudanese region of Darfur and expresses its deep concern for the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation on the ground.
The European Union calls upon the Government of Sudan and the SLA to fully respect the ceasefire agreement signed on September 3rd which commits both parties to consolidate peace and stability and calls upon them to go back to the negotiating table in order to work jointly, rapidly and intently to reach a settlement. The EU urges the Parties to deploy the maximum effort to ensure the full respect for human rights and the protection of the civilian population. The EU urges the Parties to ensure full and unimpeded access by relevant United Nations bodies and agencies and other humanitarian actors.
The European Union stands ready to assist the Parties in each field they deem appropriate.
The Acceding Countries Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia, the Associated Countries Bulgaria, Romania and Turkey and the EFTA countries, members of the European Economic Area, align themselves with this declaration.