European Union donates 3 mln Euros to Darfur peace mediation

December 22, 2007 (BRUSSELS) – The European Commission has allocated 3 million Euros to support the African Union-United Nations team which is mediating between the Sudanese government and rebel movements in order to end the four year conflict in Darfur region.

This new EC contribution, combined with bilateral allocations from EU Member States, will make the EU by far the biggest donor to the peace process in Darfur, with an expected total contribution of € 9 million.

The commission reaffirmed its commitment to provide humanitarian assistance to the Darfur people affected by the ongoing crisis. Also, the commission said it would continue to meet its responsibilities as a major donor for the African Union peacekeeping mission in Darfur during the post-crisis recovery period.

Louis Michel, Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, said: “An effective peace process is central to the EU’s efforts to alleviate the difficult plight of the people of Darfur.”

This new EC support under the Instrument for Stability will provide a major boost to the newly established and UN administered Trust Fund to support the work of the AU-UN Joint Mediation Support Team (JMST) based in Khartoum.

The EC also stands ready to support substantial rehabilitation and reconstruction work in Darfur – to add to the development assistance already accorded for the rest of Sudan – once conditions allow for the voluntary return of the many persons displaced by this tragic conflict.

(ST)