EU gravely concerned about the situation in Darfur

BRUSSELS, Nov 5, 2004 (KUNA) — The European Union (EU) Friday expressed grave concern over developments in the Sudanese province of Darfur, underlining importance of respecting human rights.

The EU heads of state and government, in a draft communiqué, called upon the government of Sudan and other parties to meet demands set out by the international community.

They reaffirmed their continued support for the African Union (AU) and its readiness to provide assistance and expertise to the expansion of the AUs mission in Darfur.

The Sudanese province is in the midst of a conflict that had killed tens of thousands and displaced over a million others.

Humanitarian situations are acute and people are in dire need of more assistance.

The EU has been sending assistance and is urging the government in Khartoum to settle down the conflict and disarm the outlawed Janjaweed militias.

The EU agreed to provide 80 million euros from the African peace facility to the AU mission in Darfur.

Negotiations are ongoing between the government in Khartoum and the rebels to end the crisis in Darfur.