UK condemns rebels’ attack in West Darfur
August 31, 2007 (LONDON) –Britain minister has condemned the rebel attack on a Sudanese army base in western Kordofan. He said this attack threatens to escalate the Darfur conflict and to destabilise other regions of Sudan.
The Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, Lord Malloch Brown, said that Wad Banda attack “is a step back from the pledge – to cease hostilities if all other parties also made similar commitments – agreed by rebel movements in Arusha on 6 August.”
On Wednesday August 29, JEM and Sudan Liberation Movement (SLM)- Unity attacked an army base in West Kordofan region next to Darfur, which they said was the logistical and supply centre for ongoing attacks in South Darfur.
“We urge all sides to the conflict to show restraint; to end immediately all hostilities; and to honour their commitments to the renewed political process and improved security and humanitarian access; or face tougher measures.” Said Lord Malloch.
The Sudanese army, meanwhile, denied rebel claims that the Darfur fighters seized Wad-Banda. The Independent daily Al Rae al-Aam quoted a Sudanese army official as saying that only “renegade” groups tried to attack the town but that they were repelled by a small police force.
(ST)